A Chinese USC grad student has been charged with drugging and sexually assaulting several women over a three-year period, Los Angeles County prosecutors announced Wednesday. Sizhe “Steven” Weng, 30, faces eight felony counts, including forcible rape and sexual penetration by use of drugs, in a case authorities say may involve victims both in the U.S. and overseas.
Weng, a doctoral student at the University of Southern California, allegedly slipped incapacitating substances into victims’ food or drinks before attacking them between 2021 and 2024. Los Angeles police said they were first alerted to Weng in January by German authorities investigating similar assaults in Europe.
“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,” LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton said.
Prosecutors have identified at least three victims but believe others may come forward. Weng pleaded not guilty and remains held without bail pending a January 2026 hearing. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life plus 56 additional years in prison and must register as a sex offender for life.
A USC spokesperson said the grad student has been “barred from campus” as the investigation continues. The district attorney’s office urged potential victims to contact LAPD detectives at 213-486-6890.
