A former New York City doctor, Zhi Alan Cheng, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for committing a series of heinous acts against his patients. The 35-year-old former gastroenterologist at New York-Presbyterian Queens pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree rape and three counts of first-degree sexual abuse. Additionally, he entered an Alford plea to one count of sexual abuse, indicating that he maintains his innocence while accepting conviction.
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According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, Cheng not only sexually assaulted sedated hospital patients but also abused other women. Melinda Katz, the Queens District Attorney, stated that Cheng’s actions were appalling as he violated women’s trust both as a private citizen and as a healthcare professional. The doctor even went as far as filming the abuse of his unconscious victims in his apartment and at the hospital.
Cheng’s arrest came in December 2022 after an acquaintance found videos showing her and other women being assaulted by him. Subsequent searches of Cheng’s residence led to the discovery of numerous digital devices containing videos of him sexually abusing unconscious female hospital patients and female acquaintances. As a result of these egregious actions, Cheng’s medical license has been suspended by the state.
In addition to his prison sentence, Cheng is mandated to undergo 10 years of post-release supervision and register as a sex offender. District Attorney Katz expressed gratitude towards the survivor who initially reported Cheng’s crimes and other victims who aided in ensuring the safety of other women. The extent of Cheng’s sex crimes remains unclear, as he was initially charged with over 50 criminal counts related to the sexual abuse.
The sentencing of Cheng serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals in positions of trust and authority accountable for their actions. The justice system’s swift response to Cheng’s crimes reflects a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of society. Moving forward, it is crucial to continue advocating for victims of such heinous acts and to promote a culture of transparency and accountability within healthcare settings.
The case highlights the bravery of survivors who come forward to seek justice and the importance of supporting them through legal proceedings. It also underscores the necessity of strict oversight and regulation within the medical profession to prevent such egregious violations of trust from occurring in the future. Ultimately, the sentencing of Cheng sends a powerful message that abuse of power and exploitation will not be tolerated within any professional setting.