News Summary
Sizhe Weng, a USC doctoral student, faces serious charges for drugging and raping multiple women between 2021 and 2025. The LAPD’s investigation began after a tip from German authorities, revealing substantial evidence of drug-facilitated assaults. Currently held without bail, Weng pleads not guilty and faces a potential life sentence if convicted. The LAPD encourages victims to come forward as the investigation continues, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding campus safety and victim advocacy amidst the troubling allegations.
Los Angeles, CA – Sizhe Weng, a 30-year-old doctoral student at the University of Southern California (USC) and a Chinese national, has been charged with drugging and raping multiple women in incidents that allegedly took place between 2021 and 2025. Weng is accused of using incapacitating drugs to render the victims unable to resist during these assaults, which occurred in the greater Los Angeles area.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) began investigating Weng after receiving a tip from German authorities in January 2025. Collaborative efforts are underway between the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division, the FBI, and the German Federal Criminal Police as the investigation progresses. During a search of Weng’s residence, substantial evidence supporting his involvement in multiple drug-facilitated sexual assaults was discovered.
Weng faces a total of eight felony counts, which include one count of forcible rape, two counts of sodomy by controlled substance or anesthesia, one count of rape by controlled substance, and four counts of sexual penetration by controlled substance or anesthesia. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges and is scheduled to return to court on January 14, 2026, for a hearing regarding the sufficiency of evidence for a trial. Currently, he is being held without bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown Los Angeles.
If found guilty, Weng could face a potential life sentence in prison and would be required to register as a sex offender. LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton highlighted that the method of drugging victims was similar to using “roofies,” which are commonly known as date-rape drugs.
In light of the situation, the LAPD is encouraging anyone who may have been victimized or anyone who knows Weng to come forward, reinforcing the significance of supporting victims and ensuring their stories are heard. Authorities are also exploring the possibility that Weng may have committed similar offenses outside of the USC area.
Despite the grave nature of the allegations against him, officials do not suspect Weng of involvement in drug trafficking. USC is actively cooperating with law enforcement to ensure the safety of students. The university has also taken immediate measures to bar Weng from campus while the criminal proceedings are ongoing. USC has not reported receiving any complaints from individuals who may have been affected by Weng’s actions.
This case sheds light on important issues regarding campus safety and the support available for victims of sexual assault. The memory of the incidents is not only a distressing situation for the victims but also raises concerns within the university community and the wider public. Both law enforcement and university officials remain steadfast in their commitment to addressing these serious allegations and ensuring a safe environment for all students.
As investigations continue, Weng’s case remains a critical point of focus for both local law enforcement and the university. Stakeholders are taking necessary steps to respond effectively to the allegations, and the commitment to justice and victim advocacy is apparent as the legal proceedings move forward.
In summary, the charges against Sizhe Weng emphasize the ongoing challenges of addressing sexual assault on college campuses and the importance of swift action by law enforcement and educational institutions in safeguarding their communities.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7 News
- Wikipedia: Sexual Assault
- NBC Los Angeles
- Google Search: Sizhe Weng
- KTLA
- Google Scholar: Sexual Assault on College Campuses
- Fox LA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Assault
- South China Morning Post
- Google News: USC Sexual Assault Case
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