A Chinese national studying at the University of Southern California (USC) has been charged with drugging and sexually assaulting several women over a three-year span, Los Angeles prosecutors announced Wednesday.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed eight felony counts against Sizhe “Steven” Weng, 30, including forcible rape, rape, and sodomy by use of controlled substances, and sexual penetration by use of anesthesia or drugs. Prosecutors said Weng allegedly slipped incapacitating substances into victims’ food or drinks before assaulting them between 2021 and 2024.
Authorities said they were first alerted to Weng earlier this year by German police, who linked him to similar assaults in Europe, according to The Los Angeles Times. LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton said investigators believe Weng was an “opportunist” who targeted vulnerable victims, often after drugging them.
“Evidence was recovered at Weng’s residence that corroborated his involvement in drug-facilitated sexual assaults of multiple victims dating back to 2021 and continuing into 2025,” Hamilton said.
Weng, who was pursuing a doctorate at USC, was arrested on August 28 and pleaded not guilty during a September 2 arraignment. He remains held without bail ahead of a January 14, 2026 preliminary hearing at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center in downtown Los Angeles.
Three women have been identified so far, but investigators believe there may be more victims. If convicted on all charges, Weng could face 25 years to life plus 56 years in California state prison and would be required to register as a sex offender for life.
USC said it is cooperating fully with authorities and that Weng has been barred from campus. The LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division continues to lead the investigation. Officials urged anyone with information to contact detectives at 213-486-6890.
District Attorney George Gascón’s office issued a statement emphasizing the severity of the crimes: “No one should ever have to endure the trauma of being drugged, sexually assaulted and stripped of their ability to consent.”
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Give us a choice?
Execute or take care of for life.
Actually if he goes to prison, they will execute him. Those guys have families too.