A Chinese national was apprehended for allegedly drugging and assaulting several women while pursuing his medical PhD at a California university — authorities warn there could potentially be more victims.
Sizhe Weng, 30, was taken into custody in August and faced charges for reportedly spiking the food and drinks of at least three women before assaulting them in a troubling pattern, according to a release from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday.
The incidents are said to have occurred during his time as a doctoral student at the University of Southern California from 2021 to 2024.
Authorities suggested there may be more victims and that Weng’s alleged offenses might extend beyond the borders of the US.
The LAPD reported they were initially alerted to Weng’s activities in January, following a tip from German law enforcement, who suspected he could be tied to a series of similar cases in Germany, as reported by the LA Times.
“If you have had any form of interaction with this individual or could provide additional information, our Robbery Homicide detectives would like to speak with you regarding his actions,” stated LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton during a press conference on Wednesday.
At the time of the alleged incidents, Weng was in the US on a student visa.
Following his arrest in August, authorities searched his residence in the LA area, leading to his arraignment on September 2 for felony charges related to rape facilitated by controlled substances.
The specific substances alleged to have been used by Weng are not fully known, but the LAPD noted they were comparable to “roofies.”
It is also not clear when the claimed assaults occurred in Germany or if any charges have been brought against him there.
“No one should ever take the trauma of being drugged, sexually assaulted, or have their capacity to consent taken from them,” remarked Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman in a statement.
If convicted, Weng could face a prison sentence ranging from 25 years to life, along with an additional 56 years.
He is currently being held without the possibility of bail and has entered a plea of not guilty.
