Introduction to the Case

A USC graduate student who has used drugs to rape and assault multiple women is accused of being a serial sexual predator, and authorities are looking for additional victims, Los Angeles Police Department officials announced Wednesday.

Background of the Accused

Sizhe Weng, 30, is being held without bail after being arrested and charged with eight felony counts involving drug-facilitated sexual assaults of young women he met since beginning his graduate studies in 2021.

Investigation Details

LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton said at a news conference that the department began investigating Weng in January after German authorities reached out pertaining to a similar investigation in Europe involving a Chinese national who they learned was a student living in Los Angeles for several years. Eventually, the information developed among LAPD and German authorities led to detectives searching a search warrant at Weng’s home in South L.A. near the USC campus, Hamilton said.

Arrest and Charges

Hamilton said detectives arrested Weng Aug. 28 on suspicion of rape of an intoxicated person and searched his home. On Sept. 2, Weng was charged with eight felony counts of rape, sodomy, sexual penetration involving drugs and anesthesia, Hamilton said. Weng has pleaded not guilty.

Call for Additional Victims

Hamilton, who oversees LAPD detectives, said they strongly suspect there are other victims and are encouraging them to come forward. “If you have had any kind of contact with this individual, if you are linked to him through any other ways or any other means, our Robbery Homicide detectives would like to interview you regarding his actions,” Hamilton said. Those alleged victims could be in L.A. and beyond, he said.

Investigation Timeline

“As soon as we became aware of actionable information, we opened an investigation,” Hamilton said. “It took us a while to catch up to all the activities this individual has been involved in LA.” The deputy chief said he would not specify the drugs involved; but essentially, they rendered the victims physically unable to respond. In real terms, he said, the drugs were similar to the date rape drug commonly called a roofie.

Visa Status and Potential Earlier Incidents

While Weng had a student visa in California since 2021, Hamilton said the department cannot be sure he was not in the area before then and so has not ruled out incidents in earlier years.

Conclusion

The case of Sizhe Weng highlights the importance of vigilance and the need for victims of sexual assault to come forward. The Los Angeles Police Department’s efforts to investigate and bring perpetrators to justice are crucial in preventing future incidents. It is essential for anyone who may have had contact with Weng or experienced similar incidents to reach out to the authorities.

FAQs

• Q: What are the charges against Sizhe Weng?
  A: Weng is charged with eight felony counts of rape, sodomy, sexual penetration involving drugs and anesthesia.
• Q: How did the investigation into Weng begin?
  A: The investigation began in January after German authorities reached out to the LAPD about a similar case involving a Chinese national who was a student in Los Angeles.
• Q: What kind of drugs were allegedly used by Weng?
  A: The specific drugs were not disclosed, but they are similar in effect to the date rape drug known as a roofie, rendering victims physically unable to respond.
• Q: Is the LAPD looking for additional victims?
  A: Yes, the LAPD believes there may be other victims and is encouraging them to come forward for an interview regarding Weng’s actions.