ITHACA, N.Y. — The president of a Cornell fraternity was released on his own recognizance at the conclusion of his felony preliminary hearing Tuesday morning.
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Wolfgang Ballinger, 21, is accused of luring a woman into his room around 2 a.m. on Jan. 31 at 2 Forest Park Lane. According to court records, he is accused of then locking the door, pushing the woman against the door and trying to have sexual intercourse with her twice from behind.
He is also accused of forcing the woman to have oral sex with him and pushing her onto the bed where he allegedly sexually abused her with his fingers, records show.
Wolfgang Ballinger
Related: Cornell student facing felony charges after attempted rape accusation
The Ithaca City courtroom was packed with college-aged men as Judge Richard Wallace commenced the hearing after about a 10 minute conference in chambers.
Ballinger's attorney James Baker said in court that his client waived his right to personally appear during the hearing.
Assistant District Attorney Wendy Franklin chose not to present evidence during the felony preliminary hearing.
"Instead we will go to Grand Jury," she said.
Ballinger was released on his own recognizance. He was originally remanded to the Tompkins County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond.
Ballinger turned himself in on Feb. 4 after the woman and Cornell police identified him, officials said.
He's charged with first-degree attempted rape, first-degree criminal sexual act and first-degree sexual abuse.
Related: Cornell fraternity suspended following sexual assault claim
The Psi Upsilon fraternity, which Ballinger was the president of, has been placed on interim suspension status "as a result of alleged sexual misconduct," Cornell announced.
This means the chapter can't engage in any activities other than operation of its residence.
Related -- Update: 6 reports of graffiti at Cornell days after rape accusation
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Monday, Cornell University reported that six reports of Graffiti took place during the early morning hours.
Two of the graffitied messages read "Rapists" and "All frats rape." Both messages were cleaned off by Monday afternoon.
