Title: Alleged Serial Sexual Assault Case Involving Chinese National Studying in the US: Updates and Legal Proceedings
A Chinese national studying in the United States has been accused of drugging and sexually assaulting multiple women over a three-year period, according to prosecutors. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed felony charges against Sizhe "Steven" Weng, a 30-year-old Chinese national pursuing a doctorate at the University of Southern California (USC). Weng allegedly administered incapacitating drugs to victims before assaulting them between 2021 and 2024, facing eight felony counts, including forcible rape and sexual penetration by use of anesthesia or drugs.
Los Angeles police were alerted to Weng's activities in January by German authorities, who suspected him of similar assaults in Europe. LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton described Weng as an "opportunist" who drugged his victims before committing sexual assaults. Evidence found at Weng's residence supported his involvement in drug-facilitated sexual assaults dating back to 2021.
Weng was arrested on August 28 and pleaded not guilty at a September 2 arraignment. He is currently held without bail, awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 14, 2026. Prosecutors believe there may be more victims beyond the three identified so far and encourage them to come forward. If convicted, Weng could face 25 years to life plus 56 years in California state prison and would be required to register as a sex offender for life.
The University of Southern California is cooperating with law enforcement and has barred Weng from campus during the investigation. The LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division is leading the inquiry, and the district attorney's office has urged anyone with information to contact detectives. The DA's office emphasized the importance of preventing such traumatic incidents and encouraged potential victims to report any relevant information.
For further updates on this case, Fox News Digital has reached out to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for comment.