Chinese USC student in Los Angeles charged with drugging, sexually assaulting multiple women
A 30-year-old Chinese doctoral student at the University of Southern California (USC) has been charged in Los Angeles for allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting multiple women between 2021 and 2024.
- Chinese USC student Sizhe “Steven” Weng, 30, charged in Los Angeles for drugging and sexually assaulting multiple women from 2021–2024.
- Investigation began after a tip from German authorities, leading to his arrest near the USC campus.
- Weng faces up to life imprisonment plus 56 years if convicted on all charges.
LOS ANGELES — A 30-year-old Chinese doctoral student at the University of Southern California (USC) has been charged with drugging and sexually assaulting multiple women between 2021 and 2024, following an international investigation that began with a tip from German authorities.
Arrest after international cooperation
The suspect, Sizhe Weng, also known as Steven Weng, was arrested on 28 August 2025 after Los Angeles police served a search warrant at his residence near the USC campus.
The investigation began when German police alerted the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in January 2025 to a similar sexual assault case in Europe involving a Chinese national believed to be studying in Los Angeles.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office (LADA), evidence linked Weng to multiple cases of drugging and sexual assault dating back to 2021.
Allegations of drug-facilitated assaults
Prosecutors said Weng allegedly administered incapacitating drugs—similar to “roofies”—in his victims’ food or drinks before sexually assaulting them while they were unconscious or unable to resist.
The offences allegedly took place both on and off campus, and investigators believe there may be additional victims in Los Angeles and overseas.
Authorities urged anyone with information to contact LAPD’s Sexual Assault Division.
Facing decades in prison if convicted
Weng was charged on 2 September with multiple felony counts, including:
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Forcible rape
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Sodomy involving controlled substances or anaesthesia
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Rape by use of a controlled substance
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Sexual penetration using controlled substances or anaesthesia
He has pleaded not guilty, and bail has been denied. A preliminary hearing is set for 14 January 2026. If convicted on all charges, Weng faces 25 years to life plus 56 additional years in California state prison and would be required to register as a lifetime sex offender.
