Queens Gastroenterologist Zhi Alan Cheng Jailed After Allegations He Drugged A Woman And Secretly Recorded Himself Sexually Assaulting Her
QUEENS, NEW YORK (June 8, 2023) – Dr Zhi Alan Cheng has been arrested on charges he drugged a woman inside of his home and sexually assaulted her.
Prosecutors are saying that the Queens gastroenterologist also secretly filmed the sexual assault. Another woman who is a former patient of Dr Zhi Alan Cheng said that she was also drugged and raped.
The Queen’s district attorney secured a first degree rape charge in December 2022. It is alleged that the doctor used a K-N95 mask filled with cotton balls and an unknown liquid to render a woman unconscious in his apartment.
After waking up, she allegedly found the video of her sexual assault. Dr Zhi Alan Cheng is being held without bail on Rikers Island.
It does not appear as though the hospital that he worked for has imposed any disciplinary action. Through legal counsel, the defendant has denied the criminal rape charges.
Liability For Sexual Assaults By Physicians
Sexual abuse by medical professionals is unfortunately more common than most people may realize. According to the National Institutes of Health, “A 1998 study identified 567 U.S. physicians who were disciplined by state medical boards from 1981 through 1996 for sex-related offenses (including sexual intercourse, rape, sexual molestation, and sexual favors for drugs), 75% of which involved patients.” A large number of cases go completely unreported. Much of the abuse that takes place in hospitals can be eliminated when the right safety protocols are in place.
- Hospitals can enhance their ability to identify risk factors to victimization and predation.
- Physicians should be adequately supervised as they perform their duties.
- All suspected instances of sexual misconduct should be thoroughly investigated.
It is illegal for anyone including doctors to sexually abuse patients. See, for example, N.Y. Civ. Prac. Law § 215. Hospitals have a legal obligation to protect their patients from foreseeable sources of harm. When a hospital has actual or constructive notice that a doctor poses a threat to patients and fails to act this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Victims of sexual abuse often suffer very serious and lasting injuries including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- STDs
- PTSD
- Suicidal ideations
Sexual abuse is often one of the most difficult things that most people will ever go through. To make matters worse, hospitals often turn a blind eye to sexual abuse within their ranks. In many situations this may lead to other people becoming victims. Any person that is sexually abused by a physician may have legal recourse through a civil claim. It is important that all evidence is properly preserved after any instance of sexual abuse.
Investigating Sexual Abuse By Queens Doctors
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest sympathies to all of the people who may have been harmed by the actions of Dr Zhi Alan Cheng. Every person deserves the presumption of innocence and a fair trial. However, the accusations made by prosecutors are still extremely disturbing to say the least. There needs to be a thorough investigation into all allegations.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused by a New York City doctor? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of highly experienced sexual abuse attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that abuse victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
