NYC Gastroenterologist Admits to Raping and Sexually Abusing Patients: Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng Pleads Guilty

A Devastating Betrayal of Trust in New York Medical Institutions

A shocking case of sexual abuse within the medical field has reached a turning point. Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng, a 35-year-old gastroenterologist formerly employed by NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of rape and sexual abuse. The charges stem from his predatory behavior toward unconscious patients in hospital settings and acquaintances in his private apartment.

The scope and depravity of Cheng’s crimes have drawn widespread condemnation, especially given the sacred trust between doctors and patients. Authorities discovered disturbing evidence, including videos Cheng secretly recorded of his sexual assaults — many committed while victims were incapacitated — both at home and in the hospital where he practiced.

The Investigation That Uncovered Dozens of Victims

The investigation began when one survivor, a woman who knew Cheng personally, discovered videos of herself and other women being assaulted. Her courageous decision to report the evidence to the Queens District Attorney led to Cheng’s arrest in December 2022. What followed was the unearthing of a vast archive of abuse.

Law enforcement seized electronic devices containing video footage of Cheng raping or sexually abusing multiple unconscious women. Many of the victims were patients under his care. Additionally, police discovered a cache of illegal substances and sedatives — including propofol, ketamine, MDMA, and fentanyl — commonly used to render victims unconscious or impair their ability to resist.

Queens DA: Crimes “Heinous, Despicable, and a Fundamental Betrayal”

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz condemned Cheng’s actions, stating:

“The level of violence and perversion displayed by Zhi Alan Cheng in sexually abusing multiple victims is compounded by the fact that he took an oath to do no harm as a medical professional.”

Ultimately, Cheng pleaded guilty to four counts of rape and three counts of first-degree sexual abuse. He also entered an Alford plea — where a defendant maintains innocence but acknowledges that the prosecution’s evidence would likely lead to conviction — on one additional count of sexual abuse.

Sentencing is tentatively scheduled for August 28, where he is expected to receive a 24-year prison term.

Medical Institutions Respond to Abuse Scandal

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where Cheng had worked, cooperated with the investigation. In a public statement, hospital spokesperson Angela Karafazli said:

“The crimes committed by this individual are heinous, despicable, and a fundamental betrayal of our mission and the patients’ trust. We are deeply sorry for all that the victims and their families have endured.”

Four of the known survivors were sexually abused in the hospital setting. The rest were assaulted in Cheng’s apartment.

This case has drawn comparisons to that of Robert Hadden, another former New York physician recently sentenced to 20 years for sexual abuse of patients. These cases have sparked growing concern over how institutions protect — or fail to protect — patients from medical professionals who misuse their authority.

A Message of Strength and Solidarity for Survivors

In a statement, DA Katz praised the woman who first came forward:

“I thank the brave victim who initially exposed this abuse. We hope the guilty plea allows all the victims to continue to heal.”

Her courage has not only led to justice in this case but has likely prevented further harm to future patients.

Legal Advocacy for Victims of Doctor Sexual Abuse in New York

Sexual abuse in a medical setting is one of the most egregious betrayals of trust. When doctors exploit their authority and access to patients, the trauma is profound and long-lasting. Survivors often feel isolated, manipulated, and uncertain about their rights.

At Survivors of Abuse NY, attorney Thomas Giuffra, Esq. – The Abuse Lawyer NY is committed to helping survivors of doctor sexual abuse navigate the path to justice. His experience in representing victims of medical sexual misconduct makes him a trusted legal advocate in some of New York’s most sensitive and complex cases.

If you or someone you know has been sexually abused by a healthcare professional, know that you are not alone. Contact Survivors of Abuse NY for a confidential consultation. We are here to support you, believe you, and help you take the next steps toward healing and accountability.

Source:

The Guardian