A woman in Taichung, identified as Xiao Mei (pseudonym), was drugged and sexually assaulted by a former middle school classmate, surnamed Zhang, after drinking at a short-term rental apartment. Following the assault, Xiao Mei experienced widespread rashes and high fever, prompting her to report the crime to authorities. Zhang was initially sentenced to eight years in prison for sexual assault using drugs, but he appealed the verdict. The Taichung High Court recently upheld the original sentence, rejecting his appeal, though the case remains eligible for further appeals.
Court documents reveal that Xiao Mei had temporarily stayed at a short-term rental apartment in Taichung and had invited Zhang and other friends over to drink and socialize. During the evening, Xiao Mei’s awareness became impaired due to alcohol, and the next morning, she found her lower garments removed and felt physically weak, along with persistent rashes and high fever. Suspecting she had been drugged, she sought medical attention and reported the incident to the police.
Investigations confirmed that Xiao Mei’s body contained traces of sedative and hypnotic substances, suspected to be the so-called “FM2” date-rape drug. During questioning, Zhang admitted to having sexual intercourse with Xiao Mei but claimed she was fully conscious and had even asked him to buy food from a convenience store afterward. He further stated that he had provided Xiao Mei with sleep aids two weeks prior and was unsure whether the substance used was FM2 or whether Xiao Mei had taken it voluntarily.
The Taichung District Court found Zhang’s statements inconsistent with evidence and concluded that the victim’s symptoms matched drug effects, siding with the prosecution. He was sentenced to eight years in prison for sexual assault with drugs. Upon review, the Taichung High Court deemed the original trial fair and the sentencing appropriate, thus rejecting Zhang’s appeal. The case may still be appealed under the law.
