Context:

A New York City doctor, Zhi Alan Cheng, has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of rape and sexual abuse involving sedated patients at New York-Presbyterian Queens hospital and unconscious women at his home. Arrested in 2022, Cheng was discovered after a female acquaintance found a video of him abusing her while she was unconscious. Prosecutors uncovered further video evidence and liquid anesthesia, leading to his arrest and barring from medical practice. Cheng faces up to 24 years in prison, with an Alford plea entered for an additional charge involving an eighth victim. The hospital has expressed deep regret over the betrayal of trust and cooperated with the investigation, emphasizing the heinous nature of the crimes committed by Cheng.

Dive Deeper:

• Zhi Alan Cheng, a doctor at New York-Presbyterian Queens hospital, admitted to sexually abusing seven women, including three patients, and raping unconscious women at his home. His actions were revealed when a female acquaintance found video evidence of her own abuse.

• Cheng, now 35, was arrested in 2022 following the discovery of videos showing him abusing women both at his residence and the hospital, as well as possessing liquid anesthesia. These findings led to his detention and prohibition from practicing medicine.

• The District Attorney highlighted the severity of Cheng's actions, especially given his medical oath to do no harm, and acknowledged the courage of the victim who initially reported the abuse. Cheng's plea deal could result in a 24-year prison sentence.

• An additional charge was brought against Cheng for abusing an eighth woman, a patient at the hospital, which he did not admit guilt to but accepted that prosecutors had sufficient evidence for conviction through an Alford plea.

• New York-Presbyterian hospital expressed profound sorrow for the victims and their families, condemning the crimes as a significant breach of trust and their mission to ensure patient safety. The hospital has been cooperative with the criminal investigation.

• One of the victims regained consciousness during an assault after being sedated for a medical procedure, highlighting the vulnerability of patients under Cheng's care. Most victims, however, had no memory of the abuse due to their sedated state.

• Cheng's attorney expressed gratitude for the plea agreement, acknowledging the gravity of the charges to which Cheng pleaded guilty, while the hospital reiterated its commitment to patient safety and trust.