A horrifying case of sexual abuse and rape committed by a Queens doctor has come to light, as Zhi Alan Cheng, 35, pleaded guilty to multiple charges in court. Cheng admitted to sexually assaulting seven women, including four counts of rape and three counts of sexual abuse. He also made an Alford plea in connection to an eighth woman, where he expressed his innocence while admitting criminal guilt.
Cheng, who worked as a gastroenterologist at New York-Presbyterian Queens, was arrested in 2022 after a girlfriend accused him of drugging and assaulting her in his Astoria apartment using a surgical mask filled with drug-soaked cotton balls. The brave woman contacted authorities after finding videos of Cheng sexually assaulting her and other women.
A joint investigation by the Queens District Attorneyâs Special Victims Bureau and New York-Presbyterian uncovered disturbing videos at Cheng’s home. The footage showed him groping sedated women in the hospital, as well as raping unconscious women he had druggedâsome of whom he had met on online dating sites. Authorities also found a stash of drugs, including cocaine, fentanyl, ketamine, LSD, MDMA, propofol, and sevoflurane in Cheng’s possession.
Cheng, who had taken an oath to do no harm as a medical professional, was held without bail and had his medical license suspended by state officials. He is facing a 24-year prison sentence when he is sentenced on August 28.
The level of violence and perversion displayed by Cheng in sexually abusing multiple victims has shocked the community. Melinda Katz, the district attorney for Queens, condemned his actions and emphasized the betrayal of trust that occurred due to his abuse of power as a doctor. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from predators who exploit their positions of authority for heinous acts.
