Astoria, Queens doctor rape case: Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng pleads guilty to drugging and sexually assaulting patients in New York
Share and Follow

QUEENS — Disgraced 35-year-old gastroenterologist Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng pleaded guilty to multiple counts of rape and sexual abuse for assaulting acquaintances and female hospital patients, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Monday.

Cheng, of Astoria, was charged in a 50-count indictment for the crimes in August 2023. He was then indicted on additional charges in March 2024 after another hospital victim came forward.

Cheng admitted he filmed the abuse of unconscious victims in both his apartment and at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens hospital between 2020 and 2022, pleading guilty to seven counts related to rape and sexual abuse. He additionally entered an Alford plea to one count of sexual abuse.

Queens Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit Durant is expected to sentence him to 24 years in prison on Aug. 28.

“The level of violence and perversion displayed by Zhi Alan Cheng in sexually abusing multiple victims is compounded by the fact that he took an oath to do no harm as a medical professional,” Katz said. “I thank the brave victim who initially came forward and exposed this abuse. We hope the guilty plea allows all the victims to continue to heal.”

Cheng has been held without bail since his 2022 arrest.

His ability to practice medicine has been suspended by the state.

Cheng was arrested on Dec. 27, 2022, after a female aquaintance who was raped in his apartment, known as “Apartment Victim 1,” discovered videos depicting her and other women being assaulted by the doctor.

A search warrant led to the discovery of numerous digital media storage devices that contained videos of him sexually abusing unconscious female hospital patients, as well as Cheng’s female acquaintances. Authorities also seized a slew of drugs, including fentanyl, ketamine, cocaine, LSD and MDMA, as well as medical sedation drugs such as propofol and sevoflurane.

“The recovered evidence compiled paints the picture of a sexual predator of the absolute worst kind, a serial rapist, someone willing to not only violate his sacred professional oath and patients’ trust, but every standard of human decency, as well,” Katz said.

Copyright © 2025 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Grateful Dead singer who also worked with Elvis Presley dies at 78

Legendary Grateful Dead Vocalist and Elvis Presley Collaborator Passes Away at 78

Donna Jean Godchaux, a beloved singer who graced the stage with the…

Missing Kansas Deer Hunter Discovered on River Log Jam

OSAGE COUNTY (KSNT) — In a cooperative effort, Kansas wildlife officials and…
NCSO: Armed bank robbery suspect arrested in Yulee following investigation

Yulee Law Enforcement Takes Down Armed Bank Robbery Suspect: Inside the High-Stakes Investigation

The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office has apprehended a suspect in connection to…
Miami's 13-way mayoral election could be Florida bellwether

Miami’s 13-Candidate Mayoral Race Poised to Be a Key Indicator for Florida’s Political Landscape

All eyes are on Miami as both Democrats and Republicans closely watch…
Cook County Sheriff's Office's new helicopter seen as vital asset to fight retail crime targeting trains and rail yards

Revolutionizing Retail Crime Prevention: How Cook County’s New Helicopter Patrols Are Protecting Trains and Rail Yards

CHICAGO — The skyline of Chicagoland now hosts a new ally in…
Halloween ‘hoax’ exposed after 9-year-old admits planting needle in own candy

9-Year-Old Confesses to Planting Needle in Halloween Candy, Unveiling Trickster Tale

A Halloween scare in a Maryland town, which initially caused concern over…
BBC 'doctored' Trump speech a week before the election, report finds

Report Uncovers BBC’s Alterations to Trump Speech Just Days Before Election

In a striking revelation, an internal BBC report has surfaced, accusing the…
Texas governor warns any New Yorkers trying to flee after Mamdani win

Texas Governor Issues Stern Warning to New Yorkers Considering Move After Mamdani’s Political Victory

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has vowed to implement a 100 percent tariff…