Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng, a former gastroenterologist in New York City, has admitted to raping and sexually assaulting at least seven women. Many of these assaults happened while the victims were under sedation during medical procedures at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens. Others occurred in his apartment in Astoria. He entered guilty pleas to multiple charges, including rape and first-degree sexual abuse. He also submitted an Alford plea on another count, acknowledging there was enough evidence to convict him. His sentencing is set for August 28, 2025, and he could face up to 24 years in state prison.
If you or someone you know was harmed by Dr. Cheng or suffered abuse during medical care, you have legal options. Dolman Law Group is ready to help survivors pursue justice and compensation. Contact us now for a free, confidential consultation.
What We Know About Dr. Cheng’s Crimes
This case exposes serious issues of trust and safety in medical environments. Below are key facts about Dr. Cheng’s actions and how he was brought to justice.
Patient’s Discovery Sparked the Investigation
Dr. Cheng worked at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and was arrested on December 27, 2022. One brave patient found disturbing videos of herself on Cheng’s device and turned them over to prosecutors. That discovery set off a major investigation.
Assaults Spanned Years and Locations
Systematic Abuse: Between 2020 and 2022, Cheng drugged and raped patients under sedation during procedures and also assaulted women in his home.
Video Evidence: He recorded many of the assaults, some showing hospital settings with visible medical monitors and unconscious victims.
Drug Use: Cheng used a combination of anesthesia and illegal drugs like propofol, fentanyl, ketamine, MDMA, LSD, and sevoflurane to knock out his victims.
Organized Documentation: He saved the videos on his computer, labeled by the victim’s name. A search of his home turned up large quantities of medical-grade drugs and evidence of his planning.
Legal Case Timeline
Here is a timeline that outlines the major legal developments in the case against Dr. Cheng.
December 27, 2022: Dr. Cheng was arrested after a patient discovered and reported videos showing her assault.
December 2022: A Queens County grand jury indicted Cheng for raping and sexually abusing an acquaintance at his apartment.
August 2023: A 50-count federal indictment expanded the charges to include sexual assaults on three patients at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and three more women at his residence.
March 2024: Additional charges were filed as more victims came forward and investigators uncovered more evidence.
June 2025: Cheng pleaded guilty to four felony counts of rape and three counts of felony first-degree sexual abuse. He also entered an Alford plea on another count.
August 28, 2025: Sentencing is scheduled, with Cheng facing up to 24 years in state prison.
What Victims Need to Know About Their Legal Rights
Survivors of medical sexual abuse have strong legal protections under New York law. Even if you were sedated or unconscious, you can take legal action.
Medical Malpractice: When Doctors Break Trust
When doctors use sedation improperly or abuse their position, it often qualifies as medical malpractice. Survivors may be eligible to file a medical malpractice claim to hold the provider accountable.
Sexual Assault and Battery: Holding Perpetrators Directly Accountable
Victims can file civil claims for sexual assault even if criminal charges weren’t filed or didn’t lead to a conviction. Sedation does not erase your right to consent or to sue.
Hospital Negligence: When Institutions Fail to Protect Patients
Hospitals have a duty to vet and monitor their staff. If they missed red flags or ignored complaints, they can be sued for institutional negligence. In a related case, Dolman Law Group covered the arrest of Dr. Scott Todd, a neurologist charged with sexual battery. While that case is different, it highlights the serious risk when medical institutions don’t act.
Damages You Can Recover in a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Survivors may be eligible to recover a wide range of damages. These include financial losses and emotional trauma. For more details, visit our guide on damages available in personal injury cases.
Medical Costs: Survivors of Dr. Cheng can recover their medical expenses related to medical care, hospital costs, medications, and therapy, both now and in the future.
Pain and Suffering: In situations like this, there is bound to be an extreme amount of pain and suffering, which is why the court considers it a valid type of damage that victims deserve to be compensated for, such as emotional and psychological trauma, and the cost of long-term mental health treatment
Lost Wages: In some cases, our clients find that the amount of work they have missed because of medical or mental health treatment, recovery time, or depression adds up. That’s why clients can recover any money they lost from missing work or losing their job, and if it applies, for any reduction in future earning ability, like having to change to a lower-paying job.
Punitive Damages: When a case is extremely severe, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and send a message to others about what will happen if they behave in a similar manner. However, in 99.9% of cases, punitive damages are only awarded in cases involving companies, instituitions, and corporations who behaved in a negligent or malicious manner—not individual people. However, in this case, punitive damages may be awarded if New York-Presbrytarian Hostpital is found liable.
Why Choose Dolman Law Group
Choosing the right law firm makes all the difference. At Dolman Law Group, we combine deep experience, compassionate client care, and fierce advocacy to help you win justice.
Deep Experience With Complex Sexual Abuse Cases
We’ve handled sensitive and high-stakes cases involving medical malpractice and sexual abuse. We know the legal system and how to get results.
We Put Clients First
We treat survivors with respect and compassion. You’ll get clear, honest communication from day one. We’re here for more than just the legal fight—we’re here to support you.
We Take on Powerful Institutions
Hospitals and big healthcare systems don’t scare us. We prepare every case like it’s going to trial. That pressure helps us get better settlements.
National Network, Local Focus
With national resources and deep knowledge of New York laws, we build tough, well-documented cases. We bring in expert witnesses and use the latest legal tech to strengthen your claim.
No Fees Unless We Win
You don’t pay a dime unless we win your case. We handle everything on a contingency basis, so you can focus on recovery, not bills.
Vast Experience Suing Large Institutions
Dolman Law Group is not a small personal injury firm that only handles the occasional case. Although we are experts in personal injury and motor vehicle cases, we also have a dedicated and experienced team that handles complex cases like those involving medical malpractice, mass torts, and large medical companies like drug and medical manufacturers and hospitals.
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital is likely going to be sued in connection with the Dr. Cheng Sedation Rape and Sexual Assault Lawsuits. NewYork-Presbyterian somehow didn’t notice that Zhi Alan Cheng was raping and sexual assaulting patients literally in hospital rooms, likely surgery rooms or procedures rooms based on the videos Dr. Cheng recorded himself.
We can help you get the compensation you deserve, whether you were sexually assaulted at the hospital by Dr. Cheng or if he sexually assaulted you at his home; regardless, we have the experience to take on NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.
Over the years, Dolman Law Group has sued some of the biggest companies in the world, including Johnson & Johnson, 3M, Philips, Boy Scouts of America, countless Catholic churches, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), foster care systems, Gerber, Enfamil, SharkNinja, Walmart, and the different manufacturers of defective medications like Suboxone and Ozempic.
Contact Dolman Law Group for a Confidential Case Review
Speaking up about abuse isn’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Dolman Law Group is ready to stand by you and fight for your future.
Call us at 727-451-6900 or fill out our online form for a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you take back your power and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Being sedated does not mean you gave consent. You still have full legal rights to pursue a claim.
It means the defendant accepts that the evidence is strong enough for a conviction without admitting guilt.
Yes, if they failed to supervise, investigate complaints, or act on red flags, they may be liable.
Most claims must be filed within three years, but recent laws may extend that time for some victims.
Not always. Many cases settle without going to trial, though every situation is different.
In many cases, yes. Courts often allow survivors of sexual abuse to use initials or pseudonyms.
That depends on the harm you suffered, the strength of your evidence, and whether punitive damages apply.
You can still pursue a case. Memory gaps due to sedation are common, and evidence like videos or witness testimony can support your claim.
No. All consultations are free and confidential, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
