A significant USC Grad Student Assault case has emerged, with a University of Southern California (USC) doctoral student confessing to drugging and sexually assaulting at least three women. This alarming USC Grad Student Assault investigation began to unfold after German authorities alerted Los Angeles police to a potential suspect. Sizhe Weng, 30, now faces serious felony charges, including forcible rape and sexual penetration by use of a controlled substance, as investigators work diligently to determine if there are additional victims in this disturbing USC Grad Student Assault scenario.
The Allegations: A Pattern of Predatory Behavior in the USC Grad Student Assault Case
Investigators allege that Weng, who also goes by the name Steven, systematically drugged women before sexually assaulting and photographing them. According to court documents and prosecutorial statements, Weng is accused of slipping incapacitating drugs, including midazolam and sevoflurane, into victims’ food or drinks. In some instances, he allegedly used syringes to inject sedatives anally and employed anesthetic-soaked cloths. The assaults, which reportedly occurred between 2021 and 2024, often left victims unaware of what had happened to them due to the potent substances used in these USC Grad Student Assault incidents.
International Cooperation Ignites Local Investigation into USC Grad Student Assault
The USC Grad Student Assault case gained significant traction in January 2025 when German authorities contacted the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) with information about a similar investigation involving a Chinese national believed to be living in Los Angeles. This crucial international tip initiated a complex probe that involved collaboration with the FBI and German Federal Criminal Police. Detectives in Los Angeles worked to piece together Weng’s alleged activities, which they believe span several years and potentially extend beyond the Los Angeles area, marking a significant USC assault case.
Evidence Uncovered and Campus Ties to USC Grad Student Assault
During their investigation, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at Weng’s residence, where they discovered a trove of disturbing evidence related to the USC Grad Student Assault. This included explicit photographs of the victims, leather straps, syringes, cameras, and memory cards believed to contain further illicit material. Weng, who enrolled at USC in August 2020 to pursue a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, also worked as a Teacher’s Assistant, interacting with numerous undergraduate and graduate students. USC has stated it is fully cooperating with the investigation and has barred Weng from campus pending the resolution of criminal proceedings, emphasizing its commitment to USC student safety.
Legal Ramifications and Ongoing Pursuit of Justice for USC Grad Student Assault
Sizhe Weng was arrested on August 28, 2025, and subsequently charged with eight felony counts concerning the USC Grad Student Assault. He pleaded not guilty to all charges during his arraignment on September 2, 2025, and is currently being held without bail. Prosecutors have indicated that if convicted, Weng faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison, plus an additional 56 years, and would be required to register as a sex offender for life. A preliminary hearing in the USC Grad Student Assault case is scheduled for January 14, 2026.
A Call for Additional Victims of the USC Grad Student Assault
Authorities believe that Sizhe Weng may have more victims, some of whom may not even be aware they were assaulted due to the incapacitating nature of the drugs used in these instances of USC Grad Student Assault. The LAPD is actively urging anyone who may have information or believes they have been victimized by Weng to come forward. This includes victims who may be located internationally. The **Los Angeles** Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division can be contacted at (213) 486-6890. This USC Grad Student Assault case places a significant spotlight on the challenges of investigating complex sexual assault cases that can involve international elements and highlights the importance of vigilance and reporting.
Conclusion on the USC Grad Student Assault
The arrest and confession of Sizhe Weng mark a critical development in a USC Grad Student Assault case that has sent ripples of concern through the USC community and beyond. The ongoing investigation, fueled by international cooperation and the Sizhe Weng confession, aims to bring all perpetrators of such heinous crimes to justice. This news serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of drug-facilitated sexual assaults, including the drugging sexual assault allegations against Weng, and the critical need for continued awareness and support for victims. The seriousness of the felony charges underscores the gravity of this USC assault case.
