USC PhD student confesses to drugging and raping women, taking horrifying photos: cops

A Chinese national studying for his Ph.D at a prestigious California University has been accused of committing horrifying crimes against three women. Sizhe Wang, a 30-year-old doctoral student at the University of Southern California, allegedly confessed to drugging, tying up, and sexually assaulting his victims before taking explicit photos of them in compromising positions.

According to prosecutors, Wang drugged the women by lacing their food and drinks with powder between 2021 and 2024. He then proceeded to tie them up with leather straps, administer drugs through syringes and tubing anally, and sexually assault them. During the assaults, Wang posed the unconscious women in sexual positions and took Polaroids and digital images of them.

Wang reportedly detailed the assaults to Los Angeles Police Department detectives after his arrest on August 28. The first victim, identified as Jane Doe 1, was a childhood friend who accompanied Wang on a trip to San Diego in December 2021. Wang allegedly drugged her drink at a bar and proceeded to rape her after injecting her with sedatives.

The second victim, Jane Doe 2, was a friend who had flown from China to study in the U.S. Wang is accused of drugging and assaulting her as well. The third victim, Jane Doe 3, was a classmate in Wang’s doctoral program whom he considered a close friend.

Authorities suspect there may be more victims who are unaware of what transpired. Investigations revealed a medicine bottle containing liquid that tested positive for the sedative midazolam, which Wang allegedly used on the women. Police also found pinhole cameras and electronic devices at Wang’s home, believed to contain additional images and videos of the assaults.

Wang has been charged with rape, sodomy, and sexual penetration by use of a controlled substance or anesthesia. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. Despite his arrest, investigators recorded Wang expressing intentions to flee to China if granted bail, as there is no extradition agreement between the two countries.

Wang, who co-authored numerous academic papers and worked in the lab of a prominent USC engineering professor, is currently awaiting trial for his alleged crimes. The case has sent shockwaves through the academic community and raised concerns about the safety of students on campus.