Serial Rapist Drugged Victims Over Several Years While Enrolled At USC: DA

LOS ANGELES, CA — A former USC graduate student has been charged with drugging and raping three women while he was a student and authorities say there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward.

Sizhe Weng, 30, pleaded not guilty in September to forcible rape, rape by a controlled substance, two counts of sodomy by controlled substance or anesthesia, and four counts of sexual penetration by controlled substance or anesthesia, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Weng, a Chinese national who also goes by Steven, is being held without bail. He's due back in court Jan. 14.

Weng is accused of raping three women after placing incapacitating drugs in their food and/or drinks between 2021 and 2024, while he was enrolled in a doctoral program at USC, according to prosecutors.

Authorities discussed the case at a Wednesday news conference. LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton did not specify which drug or drugs were involved, but he said the effect was "very similar" to Rohypnol, commonly known as "roofies," KTLA reported.

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

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.

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 800-222-8477).

"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. "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 could face a potential life prison term and sex offender registration if convicted as charged, according to prosecutors.

City News Service contributed to this report.