Gubernatorial Candidate Vows to Reopen Sex Assault Case
Republican nominee Victor Marx pledges to reinvestigate a 2024 fraternity assault case if elected in Colorado.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Sex Crimes
Colorado gubernatorial candidate Victor Marx has promised to reopen a police investigation into an alleged sexual assault that took place at a Fort Collins fraternity house. Marx stated his intent to revisit the case, which previously resulted in no criminal charges, during an interview on October 21, 2026.
Why it matters
The pledge centers on allegations of a sexual assault occurring at the Phi Delta Theta fraternity house in October 2024. Marx argues that the initial police findings into the matter were not fair, prompting his commitment to review the investigation should he win the election.
No criminal charges have been filed against the former fraternity member involved in the incident. A civil lawsuit was initiated by a former student on October 1, 2026, following the initial investigation.
The players
Victor Marx
He is the Republican nominee for governor of Colorado currently running on a platform that includes revisiting closed police cases.
Fort Collins Police Department
The local agency was responsible for the initial investigation into the sexual assault allegations and determined not to pursue criminal charges.
Phi Delta Theta
The fraternity is the subject of a civil lawsuit filed by a former student regarding a 2024 assault incident at its Fort Collins house.
The details
The controversy stems from an incident at a local fraternity house in October 2024 that the Fort Collins Police Department opted not to pursue through the court system. The former student filed a civil suit against both the fraternity and the accused member to address the assault allegations.
Timeline
The alleged sexual assault occurred at a Fort Collins fraternity house in October 2024.
A civil lawsuit was filed by a former CSU student against a former fraternity member on October 1, 2026.
Victor Marx pledged to reopen the investigation during an interview on October 21, 2026.
Legal Context
This proposal highlights ongoing tensions regarding the executive power of state governors to intervene in local law enforcement decisions. It mirrors broader debates about the degree to which political offices should influence active or closed criminal investigations within their jurisdiction.
Residents in the Fort Collins area may see increased scrutiny of local police procedures and departmental decision-making as the election approaches. The potential for a reopened investigation could lead to new evidence reviews or public hearings that directly impact community trust in local safety protocols.
The takeaway
Voters are encouraged to evaluate how candidates plan to interact with municipal law enforcement powers and legal protocols. Understanding the balance between executive action and independent police investigation is essential for evaluating campaign policy proposals.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings and investigation updates, visit Colorado Sex Crimes.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KUNC.
