A 30-year-old doctoral student at the University of Southern California, Sizhe "Steven" Weng, stands accused of horrific crimes against multiple women in Los Angeles.
As reported by Fox News, Weng, a Chinese national, faces eight felony counts for allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting women between 2021 and 2024. The charges include forcible rape, rape by use of controlled substances, and sexual penetration under anesthesia or drugs.
Prosecutors claim Weng slipped incapacitating substances into his victims’ food or drinks before carrying out the assaults. This calculated method suggests a disturbing pattern of targeting vulnerable individuals. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has identified three victims so far, but investigators suspect there could be more.
Uncovering a Pattern of Predatory Behavior
The case first came to light in January when German police tipped off the Los Angeles Police Department, suspecting Weng’s involvement in similar crimes abroad. This international connection raises questions about how such behavior could persist undetected for years.
LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton described Weng as an "opportunist" who preyed on his victims after drugging them. Evidence found at Weng’s residence reportedly confirms his role in these assaults dating back to 2021 and continuing into 2024.
Weng was arrested on Aug. 28 and entered a not guilty plea during his arraignment on Sept. 2. He remains in custody without bail, awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for Jan. 14, 2026, at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.
Community Impact and Institutional Response
The University of Southern California, where Weng pursued his doctorate, has barred him from campus amid the ongoing investigation. A USC spokesperson affirmed the institution’s full cooperation with law enforcement in addressing these grave accusations.
These incidents shake the trust students and families place in academic environments meant to be safe havens. When predators exploit such spaces, it’s a stark reminder that vigilance and accountability must override any bureaucratic hesitation or cultural sensitivities.
The district attorney’s office has called on potential additional victims to come forward, providing a contact number for LAPD detectives. This outreach is crucial, as silence often shields perpetrators from justice far longer than they deserve.
Legal Consequences and Public Safety
If convicted on all counts, Weng faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life, plus an additional 56 years in state prison. He would also be required to register as a sex offender for life, a measure aimed at protecting future communities.
District Attorney candidate Nathan Hochman condemned the alleged acts, stating, "No one should ever have to endure the trauma of being drugged, sexually assaulted and stripped of their ability to consent." Such words resonate, yet they must be backed by a judicial system that prioritizes victim safety over endless procedural delays.
The LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division continues to spearhead the investigation, signaling the seriousness of the case. Public safety demands that every lead be pursued to ensure no other victims remain in the shadows.
A Call for Accountability and Healing
These allegations against Weng are a grim wake-up call about the dangers lurking in trusted spaces. Society must grapple with how to better protect individuals from such calculated harm without succumbing to fear or overreach.
Hamilton’s characterization of Weng as an "opportunist" cuts to the core of the issue: predators often exploit trust and access. We need mechanisms that spot red flags early, not just react after irreversible damage is done.
As this case unfolds, the focus must remain on justice for the victims and a broader reckoning for institutions like USC. Healing starts with accountability, and that means ensuring no stone is left unturned in exposing the full scope of these alleged crimes.
