California drops charges against Stanford students over protest

California's attorney general will dismiss felony vandalism and conspiracy charges against five Stanford protesters if each finishes 100 hours of community service. The five have already paid Stanford $51,973.37 in restitution after a June 5, 2024 predawn break-in and occupation of the president's and provost's executive offices during pro-Palestinian protests. They were among 12 charged; seven others earlier took diversion or plea deals. A February trial ended in a hung jury. Judge Kelley Paul then removed District Attorney Jeff Rosen over a conflict of interest tied to campaign fundraising materials and comments, and the attorney general took the case. Bonta's office said the deal requires defendants to make amends through community service and fully reimburse Stanford for repairs. Stanford will not challenge the outcome. Defendant Amy Zhai called it a victory. Paid restitution sits far below earlier damage estimates of roughly $329,000 to $1 million.