A Chinese national studying at the University of Southern California is facing serious felony charges after allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting several women over a three-year period.
Sizhe “Steven” Weng, 30, was pursuing a doctoral degree at USC when he reportedly drugged and raped three women between 2021 and 2024, according to a statement released Wednesday by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Weng was arraigned on September 2 and entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. The felony counts against him include one count of forcible rape, two counts of sodomy by use of a controlled substance or anesthesia, one count of rape by use of a controlled substance, and four counts of sexual penetration by use of a controlled substance or anesthesia, the DA’s office confirmed.
In announcing the charges, District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman condemned the alleged acts, underscoring the violation of consent and human dignity involved in such crimes.
“No one should ever have to endure the trauma of being drugged, sexually assaulted, and stripped of their ability to consent,” Hochman said.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether additional victims have come forward or whether Weng remains in custody. The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors work to determine the full extent of the alleged assaults and gather evidence tied to his time on campus.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has charged 30-year-old Sizhe Weng, also known as Steven Weng, with drugging and raping multiple women between 2021 and 2024 while enrolled as a doctoral student at the University of Southern California. pic.twitter.com/2v0XMoYTT8
— Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office (@LADAOffice) October 15, 2025
LAPD Investigating Chinese National Accused of Multiple Sexual Assaults at USC
Alan Hamilton, deputy chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, confirmed that Sizhe “Steven” Weng is a Chinese national whom the department has been investigating for several months, according to The Los Angeles Times. The inquiry began in January, after German authorities alerted the LAPD that Weng was suspected of committing similar crimes in Europe.
On August 28, detectives executed a search warrant and arrested Weng at his residence near the USC campus. He had reportedly held a student visa since 2021.
Hamilton indicated that investigators believe there may be additional victims.
“If you have had any kind of contact with this individual, if you are linked to him through any other ways or any other means, our Robbery-Homicide detectives would like to interview you regarding his actions,” Hamilton said.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 14, according to the DA’s office. If convicted, Weng faces 25 years to life, plus 56 years, in California state prison and would be required to register as a sex offender for life.
District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman emphasized the commitment of his office to holding Weng accountable.
“Prosecutors in my office’s Sex Crimes Division and our law enforcement partners will not rest until the defendant is held accountable for these horrific acts,” Hochman said. “We want every victim to know that their voices matter and we will fight to ensure you are heard.”