USC Graduate Student Faces Serious Charges for Alleged Drugging and Assault of Multiple Women

A Chinese national studying in the United States is facing multiple felony charges that include drugging and sexually assaulting several women over the past three years, according to a statement from prosecutors on Wednesday.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has announced serious charges against Sizhe “Steven” Weng, a 30-year-old doctoral candidate at the University of Southern California (USC). These allegations encompass incidents that occurred between 2021 and 2024.

Allegations of Drug-Facilitated Assaults

Weng is alleged to have slipped incapacitating drugs into the food or drinks of his victims before committing sexual assaults. He now faces eight felony counts, which include forcible rape, rape and sodomy facilitated by controlled substances, as well as sexual penetration using anesthesia or drugs.

International Connection

Authorities became aware of Weng’s activities in January through a tip-off from German police, who suspected him of being involved in similar assaults occurring in their country. LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton remarked that Weng appeared to be an “opportunist” who targeted vulnerable individuals.

Evidence recovered from Weng’s residence corroborates his involvement in a series of drug-facilitated sexual assaults starting in 2021 and extending into 2025, according to Deputy Chief Hamilton.

Legal Proceedings and Potential Consequences

Weng was arrested on August 28 and subsequently pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on September 2. He remains in custody without bail as he awaits a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 14, 2026, at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center located in downtown Los Angeles.

To date, three women have been officially identified as victims, but investigators suspect that there could be more individuals who have yet to come forward.

Possible Sentencing and Call for Additional Victims

If found guilty of the charges, Weng faces a potential prison sentence of 25 years to life, plus an additional 56 years. Furthermore, he would be mandated to register as a sex offender for life. District Attorney Nathan Hochman emphasized the need for other potential victims to come forward.

Ongoing Investigation by LAPD

The investigation into this case is being led by the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division. A spokesperson from USC stated that the university is fully cooperating with law enforcement, and Weng has been banned from campus while the investigation is active.

Importance of Speaking Out

District Attorney Hochman urged anyone who may have information regarding this case to contact detectives at 213-486-6890. He poignantly stated, “No one should ever have to endure the trauma of being drugged, sexually assaulted, and stripped of their ability to consent.”

The ongoing proceedings and the investigation may reveal further details as more victims potentially come to light. The complexities of the case highlight critical issues surrounding campus safety and the necessity for universities to create and enforce robust protection measures against sexual violence.

Fox News Digital has sought comment from the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office regarding ongoing inquiries into this distressing situation.