A 24-year-old Stanford University student is facing trial on three felony sexual assault charges after returning to campus following a two-year suspension for sexually assaulting another student, according to the university's disciplinary findings.
Leo Rossitter was charged in October 2024 with rape of an intoxicated person, oral copulation of an intoxicated person, and penetration by force over an alleged assault in 2022. He is attending classes and living off campus while prosecutors in Santa Clara County, California, prepare for trial. A hearing to schedule the proceedings is expected in December 2026.
The woman who accused Rossitter told investigators she had attended a party with a friend during her sophomore year and was intoxicated when he offered to walk her back to her dormitory. Her friend remained at the gathering.
According to her account in court filings, Rossitter asked to use the bathroom after accompanying her home, then requested permission to enter her room. She alleged that he repeatedly asked to kiss her despite her refusals before sexually assaulting her.
Rossitter has denied the allegations. His attorney, Daniel Barton, said his client has been defending himself against the accusations since 2022 and maintains his innocence.
Stanford launched an investigation under Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in federally funded schools. After nearly two years, university adjudicators found Rossitter responsible for nonconsensual oral sex, digital penetration, and unprotected vaginal penetration. The university imposed a two-year suspension, allowing him to resume his studies in fall 2026.
Stanford's published policies identify expulsion as the expected sanction for sexual or relationship violence involving students. The university said independent adjudicators determine disciplinary penalties based on the evidence and applicable policies, and that Stanford is bound by their decisions.
The university reached its finding under a preponderance-of-evidence standard, while prosecutors must prove the criminal charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
The woman, who is no longer a Stanford student, criticized the handling of her complaint in an anonymous opinion article published by The Stanford Daily in October. She described prolonged delays, poor communication and difficulties obtaining updates from campus police and prosecutors.
She said the investigation consumed two years of her college experience, during which she avoided classes shared with Rossitter and missed opportunities to study abroad.
Her account also described problems coordinating the criminal investigation between Stanford's Department of Public Safety and the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office. According to the woman, campus police submitted an incomplete investigative file to prosecutors, contributing to delays before charges were filed.
Stanford spokesperson Angie Davis has acknowledged delays in the university's disciplinary process, citing federal requirements and procedural safeguards that govern investigations. Stanford has also described efforts to improve how complaints are handled.
The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office has acknowledged communication problems during the investigation, while prosecutors continue preparing for trial.
Stanford has not publicly specified whether a criminal conviction could trigger additional disciplinary proceedings.
A December court hearing is expected to address scheduling for his trial. A trial date has yet to be set.
