New court documents have unveiled a disturbing detail regarding the crimes of Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng, a former New York-Presbyterian Queens physician. It has been revealed that Cheng sexually assaulted a patient who was on life support and nearing the end of her life in May 2022.
The victim, identified in court records as a woman on a ventilator and feeding tube, was recorded by Cheng during the assault. This incident adds a harrowing layer to the case of the doctor, who was already convicted of drugging and sexually assaulting seven other women.
Cheng pleaded guilty to multiple counts of first-degree rape and sexual abuse in 2025. He was subsequently sentenced to 24 years in prison for his actions, which occurred both at the hospital and his private residence.
Legal representatives for several victims are now pushing for a more comprehensive federal investigation into the hospital's internal processes. They allege that the institution failed to adequately protect patients and may have attempted to conceal the scope of the doctor's misconduct.
One attorney noted that the hospital conducted its own internal review but did not immediately involve law enforcement. This delay has fueled accusations that the facility prioritized its reputation over the safety and rights of the patients in its care.
The law firm representing the victims is demanding that the hospital notify all of Cheng’s former patients about the potential for abuse. They are also seeking answers regarding the source of the sedatives used by the doctor to incapacitate his victims.
In response, a spokesperson for the hospital expressed deep regret for the suffering endured by the victims and their families. The institution stated that it has since implemented significant safety enhancements, including stricter chaperone policies and mandatory staff training.
The Queens District Attorney’s office maintains that the prosecution successfully held the defendant accountable for his crimes. Officials emphasized that the primary goal of the legal proceedings was to ensure justice for the victims and protect the public from further harm.
Despite the sentencing, the legal battle continues as victims seek broader accountability. The ongoing lawsuits aim to address systemic failures and ensure that such egregious breaches of medical ethics are never repeated in a clinical setting.