Chinese Student Charged with Drugging and Assaulting Women

Officials have announced that a Chinese national studying in the U.S. faces serious charges for drugging and sexually assaulting several women over a three-year span. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office revealed the felony charges against Sizhe “Steven” Weng, a 30-year-old pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Southern California (USC).

Weng allegedly slipped incapacitating substances into the victims’ food and drinks between 2021 and 2024, leading to charges that include forcible rape, sodomy using a controlled substance, and sexual penetration with anesthesia or drugs. In total, he faces eight felony counts.

Authorities in Los Angeles first learned of Weng’s activities from a tip-off received from German police back in January. They suspect he might be connected to various similar assaults that have occurred across Europe. Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton of the Los Angeles Police Department commented that Weng appeared to be an “opportunist” who preyed on women. He noted that evidence recovered from Weng’s residence backs up allegations of multiple drug-facilitated sexual assaults that took place from 2021 to 2025.

Weng was arrested on August 28 and pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on September 2. Currently, he is being held without bail as he awaits a preliminary hearing set for January 14, 2026, at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center. So far, three victims have been identified, though investigators suspect that more could come forward.

District Attorney Nathan Hockman pointed out that if Weng is convicted, he could face a substantial prison sentence of 25 years to life, along with additional years, and would be required to register as a sex offender. He urged any other victims to come forward. The investigation is being overseen by the Robbery-Homicide Unit of the LAPD.

In light of the allegations, a USC representative stated that the university is fully cooperating with law enforcement, adding that Weng has been banned from campus during this ongoing investigation. Anyone with relevant information has been encouraged to reach out to the LAPD detectives at 213-486-6890.

Hockman emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “No one should ever have to endure the trauma of being drugged, sexually assaulted and stripped of their capacity to consent.”