In a criminal case that rocked the medical world, New York City gastroenterologist Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng pleaded guilty to multiple counts of rape and first-degree sexual abuse. He admitted to assaulting at least seven women—some during hospital procedures, others after drugging them in his Astoria apartment. His sentencing is scheduled for August 28, 2025, and he faces up to 24 years in prison.
If you or someone you know was abused by Dr. Cheng or any other medical professional, you may have a strong case for financial compensation. At File Abuse Lawsuit, we specialize in fighting powerful hospitals, corporations, and institutions over sexual abuse. Contact us for a free, confidential case evaluation.
What Dr. Cheng Did
Pattern of Assault: Dr. Cheng raped or sexually abused at least seven women. Some were sedated hospital patients. Others were drugged in his home.
He Filmed Everything: Cheng recorded the assaults, storing the videos in organized folders on his computer. Many clips show unconscious victims, some hooked to hospital monitors, proving the attacks happened during medical procedures.
He Used Potent Drugs: Cheng used anesthetics and illegal substances—including propofol, ketamine, LSD, and fentanyl—to incapacitate his victims. Some of these drugs were obtained illegally, outside standard medical use.
One Brave Survivor Sparked the Case: A woman found video evidence of her assault on Cheng’s device and turned it in. Her courage launched the investigation.
Where and How Cheng's Crimes Happened
Hospital and Home: Victims included three sedated patients at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and others assaulted in Cheng’s apartment.
Premeditated and Documented: Cheng planned his crimes, stored video evidence by victim name, and had a large stash of controlled drugs in his apartment.
Hospital Under Scrutiny: NewYork-Presbyterian hasn’t been charged but is being investigated. There are serious questions about how a doctor filmed sexual assaults inside a hospital without anyone noticing.
Cheng's Guilty Plea
Cheng pleaded guilty to four counts of felony rape and three counts of felony sexual abuse. He also entered an Alford plea on another count, meaning he didn't admit guilt but accepted that prosecutors had the evidence to convict him. He’ll be sentenced in August 2025.
Why This Case Matters
A Massive Breach of Trust: Doctors are supposed to heal, not harm. Cheng weaponized sedation and his position of authority.
Institutional Failure: Hospitals are responsible for keeping patients safe. If NewYork-Presbyterian ignored red flags, failed to supervise, or covered things up, they could face serious legal consequences.
Legal Impact: Cheng's case may set a precedent for how courts handle medical sexual abuse, especially involving sedation.
Your Legal Rights in New York
Even if you were unconscious, you have legal rights. You can sue for:
Medical Malpractice: If a doctor deviated from accepted standards of care, such as giving sedatives for non-medical reasons, you may have a malpractice claim.
Sexual Assault and Battery: Non-consensual contact is assault. Sedation does not equal consent.
Hospital Liability: If NewYork-Presbyterian failed to properly supervise Cheng or ignored complaints, it could be liable.
Compensation You Could Receive
Victims of medical sexual abuse may be eligible for:
- Pain and Suffering for physical and emotional trauma
- Therapy and Medical Bills related to the abuse
- Lost Wages if your ability to work was affected
- Punitive Damages to punish egregious misconduct
Key Dates in the Cheng Case
- 2020–2022: Cheng allegedly committed the assaults
- Dec 27, 2022: Woman finds video; Cheng is arrested
- Dec 30, 2022: Indicted on multiple felony charges
- June 2023: Civil lawsuit filed against hospital
- Aug 2023: Federal indictment with 50 counts
- March 2024: More charges after another victim steps forward
- June 2025: Guilty plea
- Aug 28, 2025: Sentencing date
Why You Need a Lawyer Now
Deadlines Matter: New York generally has a three-year statute of limitations. Time is critical.
Evidence Is Key: Strong cases rely on expert testimony, medical records, and internal hospital documents. Our legal team knows how to get them.
We Know How to Win: At Dolman Law Group, we go up against giants: hospitals, pharma companies, religious institutions, and corporations. We've fought Johnson & Johnson, 3M, the Boy Scouts, and many more. We're ready to fight for you.
At File Abuse Lawsuit, you pay nothing unless we win. We know how to handle these cases. We have deep experience with victims of sedation-based abuse. We work with empathy, discretion, and relentless drive.
FAQs about the Cheng Sedation lawsuits
Can I sue if I was sedated?
Yes. Sedation never equals consent.
What is an Alford plea?
It means the defendant accepts conviction without admitting guilt.
Can the hospital be held responsible?
Yes, if it failed to supervise or ignored warning signs.
How long do I have to file?
Typically three years in New York. Don’t wait.
Do I need proof I was assaulted?
Not necessarily. Your attorney can build a case using medical records, expert analysis, witness testimony, and circumstantial evidence.
Can I stay anonymous if I sue?
Yes. In many cases involving sexual abuse, courts allow victims to file lawsuits under a pseudonym to protect their identity.
What if the hospital claims no knowledge?
That doesn’t get them off the hook. If they should have known or failed to monitor properly, they can still be held liable.
Can I still sue if I never reported the abuse at the time?
Yes. Many survivors wait months or years to come forward. What matters is that you act within the legal deadline once you realize your rights.
What if Dr. Cheng is already convicted?
His conviction strengthens your case. A guilty plea or conviction in criminal court can be powerful evidence in a civil lawsuit.
How much compensation can I get?
It depends on the facts, but you may be entitled to damages for pain, suffering, therapy costs, lost income, and more.
Contact File Abuse Lawsuit Today
If you were harmed by Dr. Cheng or any other medical professional, we’re here to help. Fill out our online form for a free, private case review. We have offices across the country and are ready to fight for your rights.