Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng Pleads Guilty to Sexually Abusing Sedated Patients: Your Legal Rights
If you were a victim of Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng in New York City, this article provides essential information about the gastroenterologist who sexually abused patients while they were sedated, outlining your legal rights to pursue a potential medical malpractice and sexual assault claim to get compensation for your damages.
New York Doctor Admits to Sexually Abusing Patients While They Were Under Sedation
New York City gastroenterologist Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng recently pleaded guilty to multiple charges of rape and first-degree sexual abuse in a criminal trial that exposed his shocking crimes.
Dr. Cheng admitted to assaulting at least seven women during medical procedures in a hospital setting and others in his NYC Astoria apartment. His sentencing is scheduled for August 28, 2025, where he could face up to 24 years in prison.
If you or a loved one was assaulted by Dr. Cheng or any medical provider, it is crucial to understand that you may be entitled to significant compensation. Contact Lawsuit Legal News today for a complimentary and confidential case evaluation to learn more about your options. We routinely sue the biggest companies in the world, hospitals, government facilities, schools, and, unfortunately, many other institutions over sexual abuse; we are uniquely qualified to handle your case!
Understanding the Allegations Against Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng
Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng was a gastroenterologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens before he was arrested and pleaded guilty in June 2025 to multiple counts of rape and sexual abuse involving unconscious or sedated victims.
The allegations against Dr. Cheng are disturbing. Read at your discretion.
What Dr. Cheng Did:
- Raped and sexually assaulted at least seven women, including patients who were sedated for medical procedures and others who were in his home and sedated illegally.
- Filmed himself assaulting these women at the hospital and his apartment in Queens, so he could relive the fantasy whenever he wanted. Investigators discovered dozens of videos showing Cheng sexually assaulting women who were clearly unconscious. In some cases, the videos showed monitors with vital signs and a hospital setting, indicating the assaults occurred during or after medical procedures.
- Behaved in a way that caused even more trauma. In one case, a woman found video evidence of her own assault on Cheng’s device and turned it over to police, leading to his arrest.
- Administered anesthetics and illicit drugs to incapacitate his victims, including propofol, ketamine, fentanyl, LSD, MDMA, and sevoflurane, some of which he obtained illegally.
The Circumstances of Dr. Cheng’s Crimes:
- Three victims were sedated patients in the hospital undergoing routine procedures like colonoscopies.
- Other victims were his friends or acquaintances whom he drugged and assaulted in his home.
- Druggings and assaults were methodical and well-planned
- Meticulously documented each rape in video files saved to his computer under each victim's name in well organized files.
- A search warrant uncovered a large stash of drugs and controlled substances in his apartment, many of which are not recreational drugs and are used only in medical settings.
His employer, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, has not been charged but is under scrutiny for possible negligence in allowing the circumstances for a doctor to be able to commit and film such heinous crimes in their facility and for failing to catch the misconduct sooner.
Cheng entered a guilty plea on four counts of felony rape and three counts of felony first-degree sexual abuse and entered an Alford plea on one additional count of first-degree sexual abuse (meaning he did not admit guilt on that charge but accepted that prosecutors had enough evidence to convict him).
He faces up to 24 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 28, 2025.
Why the Dr. Cheng Case Holds Significant Importance
This case transcends the individual actions of Dr. Cheng, highlighting critical issues within the healthcare system.
A Profound Violation of Trust
Medical professionals take an oath to "do no harm." But what's more is that we are all taught from a young age by our parents and society at large that we can trust doctors almost completely. After all, their whole career is built around helping people to preserve their health or heal from a life-threatening disease or condition. But what happens when you can't trust your doctor?
Dr. Cheng's assaults and rapes to sedated patients represents one of the most severe breaches of this fundamental trust. Patients place their complete faith in their doctors, especially when they are being sedated or put under anesthesia, and are in a completely vulnerable state.
In fact, this is so wild that I doubt most people even think about this possibility when they are about to have surgery. If I'm right, most people assume there will be multiple people in the room during the surgery. Apparently not.
Unfortunately, this is far from the first time a doctor has massively violated their patients' trust. Just recently, former rheumatologist Dr. Derek Todd, former Los Angeles OBGYN Dr. Barry Brock, and former urologist Dr. Darius Paduch are all facing sexual abuse lawsuits. And this is just in the last year, and it is far from a comprehensive list.
NewYork-Presbyterian's Accountability
While Dr. Cheng is facing criminal charges and civil lawsuits for his heinous actions, what is going on with the hospital that allowed these actions to happen? Questions are being raised over the accountability of his former employer, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in Queens.
Personal injury lawyers are now investigating whether the major medical institution overlooked red flags, failed to enforce proper supervision, or neglected to investigate complaints sufficiently. Hospitals have a responsibility to protect their patients from harm, and any institution that fails could lead to significant liability and civil lawsuits seeking compensation for damages.
The same goes for all organizations that allowed sexual abuse to happen on their watch, like juvenile detention centers, churches, the Boy Scouts, and even the foster care system.
Setting A New Legal Precedent
The Dr. Cheng case may establish an important and new legal precedent, potentially opening a pathway for other victims to pursue claims that include medical malpractice, sexual assault, and negligence by an institution.
Successful legal actions in cases like this could result in substantial compensation for survivors since it would hold both the perpetrator and negligent institutions accountable, while potentially being able to use medical malpractice insurance to help pay for the compensation these victims deserve.
Your Legal Rights as a Victim of Medical Sexual Abuse
Even if you were sedated or unconscious during an assault, your legal rights remain fully protected under New York law. It is imperative to understand the avenues available to you:
Medical Malpractice Claims
If Dr. Cheng violated the standard of medical care by administering sedatives for non-medical reasons or by engaging in any other form of medical negligence that led to the assault, this could form the basis for a medical malpractice claim. Medical professionals have a duty to adhere to established standards of care, and any deviation that causes harm can lead to legal liability.
Sexual Assault and Battery Claims
Any unauthorized touching or sexual misconduct, regardless of your state of consciousness or sedation, is legally considered sexual assault or battery, and can constitute rape or first-degree sexual abuse under New York law. Your lack of awareness or inability to consent due to sedation does not diminish the gravity of the crime or your right to seek justice.
Hospital Liability
Hospitals have a responsibility to monitor their staff and ensure a safe environment for patients. If NewYork-Presbyterian Queens failed to investigate complaints, monitor procedures, or report misconduct, it could be held liable for institutional negligence. Hospitals make enough money and have a legal right to implement robust systems to prevent and address such egregious acts.
Potential Compensation for Dr. Cheng's Victims
Victims of medical sexual abuse may be able to pursue damages for a range of losses, aiming to provide comprehensive compensation for the profound impact of such trauma. This compensation can include:
- Pain and Suffering: This category addresses the physical trauma and immense psychological distress endured by victims. Usually, pain and suffering damages cover all non-monetary losses; it's exactly what it sounds like. But in cases with abuse that is this severe, listing emotional stress separately as we do below makes clear what kind of things this category of damages is compensating.
- Emotional Injuries: This includes compensation for severe emotional suffering, such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and the costs associated with long-term therapy and counseling.
- Medical Expenses: Victims can seek compensation for past and future medical treatment, medication, and any counseling or therapy necessitated by the abuse.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are not intended to compensate the victim but rather to punish the perpetrator and deter similar abuse in the future.
- Loss of Income: If the trauma or recovery period resulted in a disruption to your work or ability to earn income, you may be able to recover lost wages.
Detailed Timeline of the Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng Case
The legal process surrounding Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng's actions has unfolded over several years, marking significant milestones:
- 2020–2022: The period during which Dr. Cheng allegedly committed the assaults, both during medical procedures at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and in illicit meetings at his Astoria apartment. This timeframe also includes the alleged filming of these assaults.
- December 27, 2022: Law enforcement authorities are alerted after a female acquaintance discovers incriminating videos on Dr. Cheng's devices. His arrest follows swiftly, and his ability to practice medicine is suspended. He is held without bail.
- December 30, 2022: A Queens County grand jury indicts Dr. Cheng on several felony counts, including first-degree rape, first-degree criminal sexual act, first-degree sexual abuse, second-degree assault, and second-degree unlawful surveillance. These initial charges stem from the assault of an acquaintance in his apartment.
- June 2023: A civil lawsuit is filed against NewYork-Presbyterian Queens by a woman who claims she was assaulted by Dr. Cheng in June 2021 while admitted to the hospital. The lawsuit alleges that the hospital knew or should have known about the sexual assault but conspired to cover it up, allowing Dr. Cheng to continue treating patients for over a year after the alleged incident.
- August 2023: A comprehensive 50-count federal indictment is filed against Dr. Cheng. This indictment expands upon the initial charges, including allegations of sexually abusing three patients at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and raping three other women at his home. The indictment details evidence, including videos filmed without the victims' knowledge.
- March 2024: After another hospital victim came forward, Dr. Cheng was charged with additional criminal charges. This only added to the growing body of evidence against him for victims to file a future personal injury lawsuit against Dr. Cheng.
- June 2025: Dr. Cheng enters guilty pleas to four counts of rape and three counts of first-degree sexual abuse. He also enters an Alford plea for an additional count of sexual abuse, acknowledging the overwhelming evidence against him without admitting guilt.
- August 28, 2025: Scheduled sentencing date for Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng, where he faces up to 24 years in prison.
The Critical Need for Legal Representation
Seeking legal counsel is paramount if you believe you have been a victim of Dr. Cheng's actions or similar medical abuse.
Navigating Legal Deadlines
New York law typically imposes a three-year statute of limitations for sexual assault claims. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your ability to pursue a case. It is essential to act quickly to preserve your legal rights, as the clock starts ticking from the date of the assault or discovery of the injury.
Comprehensive Evidence Gathering
Building a compelling case requires a thorough collection of evidence. An experienced legal team will work diligently to gather crucial documentation, including medical records, expert testimony, police reports, and hospital policies. They will also investigate any potential institutional failures that contributed to the abuse.
Strategic Legal Advantage
Experienced attorneys can provide a significant strategic advantage. They are adept at negotiating higher settlements with responsible parties and are prepared to take your case to trial if a fair resolution cannot be reached through negotiation. Their expertise ensures your best interests are represented at every stage of the legal process.
Let Lawsuit Legal News Use Their Extensive Experience to Help You
At Lawsuit Legal News, we focus on one thing: helping survivors of medical abuse get justice.
We’ve handled cases like this before—assaults under sedation, abuse by trusted doctors—and we know exactly how to fight back. Our team brings both compassion and strategy to the table, guiding you through every step while making sure you’re never left in the dark or on your own.
You don’t pay us a dime unless we win. And with deep knowledge of New York’s laws and a national network of resources, we’re equipped to take on hospitals, institutions, and anyone else who failed you.
If you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to listen.
Contact Lawsuit Legal News now to assert your power and protect your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue if I was sedated and unaware of the assault?
Absolutely. Your lack of consciousness or awareness due to sedation is never consent. Sedation does not nullify your legal rights, and you retain the right to pursue legal action for the harm you suffered.
What is an Alford plea?
An Alford plea means that Dr. Cheng did not admit guilt but acknowledged that the prosecution possessed overwhelming evidence that would likely lead to his conviction. It is crucial to understand that an Alford plea should not be viewed as an exoneration of guilt.
Is the hospital also responsible for Dr. Cheng's actions?
Potentially. If NewYork-Presbyterian Queens failed to investigate red flags, adequately monitor procedures, or report misconduct, they could be held liable for institutional negligence. Hospitals have a duty of care to their patients, and neglecting this duty can lead to significant liability.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In New York, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including sexual assault, is typically three years from the date of the assault or the date of discovery. However, certain exceptions and nuances can affect this timeframe. It is crucial to act quickly and consult with an attorney to avoid forfeiting your rights.