Queens Gastroenterologist Zhi Cheng (Full Name: Zhi Alan Cheng) Charged With Drugging, Raping And Filming Numerous Women
QUEENS, NEW YORK (August 8, 2023) – A Queens doctor identified as Zhi Cheng has been criminally charged and arraigned for allegedly drugging, raping and filming women.
Some of the victims are reported to be his patients. Doctor Zhi Cheng was first arrested back in December of 2022.
Since the time of his arrest, he is facing 50 new charges brought against him for sexually abusing three patients at New York-Presbyterian Queens hospital.
The defendant is also being accused of raping an additional three women at his home. In total, prosecutors say that there are seven identified victims. However, they said that they have video evidence of at least six other victims in multiple cities and countries.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz called Zhi Cheng “a sexual predator of the absolute worst kind.” One of the victims is suing New York-Presbyterian Queens hospital. The crimes were enabled by an alleged pattern of ignoring sexual abuse complaints.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Sexual Assaults By Doctors
Doctors hold an esteemed place in every society. But far too often, this trust people have in doctors is abused. 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.” There have been a number of proposed solutions to help limit the prevalence of physician sexual abuse.
- All hospitals should adopt a “zero tolerance” standard for all forms of physician sexual abuse of patients.
- Physicians should be educated with regard to how to keep healthy boundaries with patients.
- Patients should be informed about how to prevent, recognize and report sexual abuse by doctors.
- Medical boards should investigate each and every complain of alleged physician sexual abuse of patients.
Hospitals have a legal obligation to protect patients from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. A hospital or medical institution could face liability if one of their patients is sexually abused by a doctor they employed. For the most part, sexual abuse claims against hospitals are typically advanced on the legal theory that a doctor was negligently hired or supervised. If a hospital created a particular hazard or risk to patients, they can be vicariously liable for a doctor’s sexual abuse. There are several elements that must be demonstrated in any negligent hiring claim.
- The doctor involved was unfit for their job.
- The doctor’s employer knew (or should have known) that they posed a substantial risk of harm to patients.
- The doctor’s unfitness is what caused harm to their patients.
- The hospital’s negligent hiring, supervision or training was a significant factor in causing a patient’s harm.
When a doctor is arrested for sexual assault, there were often dozens of red flags that were missed. These red flags are usually ignored because people are afraid of potential retaliation. Any person that is sexually abused by a doctor may have legal recourse through a civil claim. It is important that all evidence is properly preserved after any instance of sexual abuse. Evidence is what will ultimately be used to demonstrate liability.
Investigating Sexual Abuse By New York Physicians
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to all of the women who may have been harmed by the actions of doctor Zhi Cheng. Any person that may have more information should reach out to New York City police officials. There needs to be some accountability for both the assailant and his employer.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused by a New York physician? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of sexual abuse attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that abuse victims get the support and justice that they are entitled to. Whether you just have legal questions or are thinking about hiring an attorney we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
