Zhi Cheng, MD, a gastroenterologist, has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing seven women, including three patients under his care at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens hospital, ABC News reported June 30.
What happened?
- The criminal case began in 2022 when a woman, who was an acquaintance of the physician, discovered a video of Dr. Cheng allegedly assaulting her while she was unconscious. The discovery led authorities to uncover more videos and evidence of abuse at both Dr. Cheng’s home and workplace.
- On Dec. 30, 2022, Dr. Cheng was indicted by a grand jury and charged with rape, assault, unlawful surveillance and sexual abuse, among other charges.The charges stem from multiple incidents of alleged sexual abuse involving sedated and unconscious women, including patients under his care at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens.
- In August 2023, he was charged with an additional 50 counts in a new indictment. In total, Dr. Cheng faces more than 60 sex crime charges, following a third indictment in March 2024.
- Dr. Cheng entered an Alford plea for an eighth alleged victim, a hospital patient. The plea means he did not admit guilt but acknowledged there was sufficient evidence for a likely conviction.
- Dr. Cheng has been jailed since his arrest and is barred from practicing medicine. He faces up to 24 years in prison.
“As caregivers, we are responsible for the safety and well-being of our patients – it is a sacred trust. The crimes committed by this individual are heinous, despicable and a fundamental betrayal of our mission and our patients’ trust,” said NewYork-Presbyterian spokesperson Angela Karafazli in a 2023 statement to Becker’s.
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