Cornell University student from New York City charged in sexual assault case

ITHACA, New York -- A 21-year-old male student at Cornell University has been charged in connection with allegedly raping a woman in his fraternity house bedroom.

Wolfgang Ballinger of New York City faces felony charges of attempted rape, criminal sexual assault, and sex abuse, all felonies. He was arraigned Thursday evening in Ithaca City Court and sent to Tompkins County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond.

According to police, the attack happened 2 a.m. last Sunday. Ballinger turned himself in on Thursday, and his fraternity, Psi Upsillon has now been placed on temporary suspension. Ballinger is the president of his frat.

On video, Ballinger said he would like to open a restaurant some day and learn more about real estate. His father owns the popular music club Webster Hall in the East Village. Ballinger then boasts of profiting $3,000 a day while running the bar inside his father's club.

In a statement to ABC News, James Baker, Balliger's attorney said: "Wolfgang Ballinger is not guilty of the charges that have been filed against him. His innocence will be established at the proper time and in the proper place-which is in the courts, not in the media. Beyond that, we have no comment."

Cornell University President Elizabeth Garrett issued a statement Saturday afternoon. "I am deeply disturbed by the allegations of sexual assault involving the president of Psi Upsilon. Sexual violence has no place at Cornell, and if these allegations are substantiated, those involved will be held accountable," it said. "Although I applaud the swift actions of the Interfraternity Council (IFC) to mandate additional training for its members, we will be considering what additional steps should be taken to ensure the Greek community at Cornell is living up to our institutional standard of excellence and respect for others."