Ex-USC grad student arrested in sexual assault case

Sizhe Weng
Sizhe Weng Photo credit LAPD

Authorities Wednesday were seeking any additional possible victims of a former USC graduate student who is charged with using drugs to incapacitate and sexually assault three women.

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Chinese national Sizhe Weng, was arrested Aug. 28, police said a news conference Wednesday morning outside Los Angeles Police Department headquarters.

Weng -- a USC doctoral graduate also known by the first name Steven -- is charged with one felony count each of forcible rape and rape by a controlled substance, two felony counts of sodomy by controlled substance or anesthesia and four felony counts of sexual penetration by controlled substance or anesthesia, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

He has pleaded not guilty and is due back in a downtown Los Angeles courthouse Jan. 14. A date is scheduled to be set then for a hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to allow the case to proceed to trial.

Weng is accused of sexually assaulting the three women after placing incapacitating drugs in their food and/or drinks between 2021 and 2024 while he was a doctoral student at USC, according to the District Attorney's Office.

The investigation was launched in January after police received a tip from authorities in Germany, where the suspect also spent time, it was revealed at the news conference. Investigators with the FBI and the German Federal Criminal Police cooperated in the probe.

Weng's residence was searched at the time of his arrest and evidence was found "that corroborated his involvement in drug-facilitated sexual assaults of multiple victims dating back to 2021 and continuing into 2025," according to an LAPD statement.

"We're looking at him facilitating sexual assault by administering drugs," LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton told reporters gathered at the news conference, where a photo of Weng was displayed.

Police believe there may be additional victims and urged anyone with information about the suspect to contact the LAPD's Robbery-Homicide Division at 213-486-6890. Anonymous tips can be submitted through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).

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"No one should ever have to endure the trauma of being drugged, sexually assaulted and stripped of their ability to consent," District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement announcing the charges. "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. We want every victim to know that their voices matter and we will fight to ensure you are heard."

Weng is being held without bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown Los Angeles, according to online sheriff's jail records.

He could face a potential life prison term and sex offender registration if convicted as charged, according to the District Attorney's Office.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: LAPD