A Chinese national was arrested for drugging and raping multiple women while studying for his medical PhD at a California university — and investigators caution there could be more victims.
Sizhe Weng, 30, was arrested in August and charged with allegedly spiking the food and drinks of least three women, then raping them in a disturbing pattern of behavior, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday.
The alleged assaults happened while he was a doctoral student at the University of Southern California between 2021 and 2024.
Investigators said they “believe there may be additional victims” and that Weng’s alleged crimes may even span beyond the US.
Los Angeles police told reporters they were first tipped off to Weng back in January by German police, who said they believed he could be the man behind a string of similar assaults in the European country, the LA Times reported.
“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,” LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton said at a Press conference Wednesday.
Weng was in the US on a student visa at the time of the alleged assaults.
His LA-area home was searched after his August arrest, and he was arraigned on Sept. 2 on felony charges for forcible rape by use of controlled substances or anesthesia.
Exactly what kind of drugs Weng allegedly used is unclear, but the LAPD said they were effectively similar to the roofies.
It also remains unclear when the alleged assaults in Germany took place, or whether Weng has been charged in those.
“No one should ever have to endure the trauma of being drugged, sexually assaulted and stripped of their ability to consent,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement.
Weng faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted, plus another 56 years.
He is being held without bail, and has pleaded not guilty.
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