In a disturbing case of medical misconduct, Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng, aged 35, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for sexually abusing sedated patients at New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital and raping women who were unconscious at his residence. The case, which has garnered significant media attention, highlights serious issues within the medical community regarding patient safety and trust.
Dr. Cheng admitted to sexually assaulting seven women, including three who were patients under his care at the hospital. In June 2023, he pleaded guilty to four counts of rape and three counts of sexual abuse, prompting his sentencing a few months later. The Queens district attorney’s office reported that the victims were often unaware of the abuse due to being sedated for medical procedures. In particular, one woman recounted waking up amidst an assault while recovering from a gastrointestinal procedure.
While Prosecutors identified a total of eight victims, Dr. Cheng entered an Alford plea regarding the eighth charge. This legal maneuver allows a defendant to maintain their innocence while acknowledging that the prosecution has sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. Details surrounding the case revealed a pattern of predatory behavior by Dr. Cheng, raising alarm about how he was able to exploit vulnerable patients in his care.
Dr. Cheng's arrest in 2022 was triggered by a female acquaintance who discovered a video of him abusing her while she was passed out at his home. The subsequent investigation led to searches of his residence and digital devices, which revealed further video evidence of his criminal actions spanning both his home and workplace. Additionally, authorities discovered liquid anesthesia, raising further concerns about the doctor’s practices and intent.
The pervasive nature of the abuse in both hospital and private settings underscores significant breaches of trust in medical ethics. Following the revelations about Cheng's behavior, he has been barred from practicing medicine. The response from New York-Presbyterian officials has been noted as cooperative throughout the criminal investigation, signaling the hospital’s commitment to addressing the allegations and ensuring patient safety moving forward.
This harrowing case serves as a reminder of the importance of robust oversight and the necessity for medical institutions to maintain vigilance to protect patients. It also raises critical questions regarding the measures in place to safeguard against such abuses of power within the healthcare system, particularly in settings where patients are rendered vulnerable due to medical procedures.
