More than 1,200 sexual assault survivors helped since 2023.
More than 1,200 sexual assault survivors helped since 2023.
Helping Survivors

Survivors Slam Plea Deal for Doctor Who Filmed Sexual Abuse of Women

Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng Sexual Assault Plea Deal Under Scrutiny From Survivors

A group of sexual assault survivors is voicing strong objections to a plea deal that will allow Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng, a former doctor at New York-Presbyterian Hospital Queens, to serve just 24 years in prison for sexually abusing and filming unconscious women. The plea deal has sparked outrage, with victims and their attorneys accusing Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz of going too easy on Cheng, who pleaded guilty to multiple counts of rape and sexual abuse.

Cheng, 35, faced over 50 charges related to sexual assault, including predatory sexual assault and rape. However, in exchange for his guilty pleas to four counts of rape and three counts of sexual abuse, the DA’s office has agreed to seek a prison sentence of 24 years. This sentence could see Cheng released before he turns 60, despite the severity of his crimes.

A Controversial Plea Deal

The agreement has been met with fierce criticism from Cheng’s survivors, who feel the plea deal is too lenient. One of the survivors, who asked for her identity to be withheld, expressed her frustration, saying, “He is getting off light. He can kind of rebuild his life because he’s fairly young.” She believes the justice system is failing the victims by allowing Cheng to avoid a harsher sentence.

An attorney representing four women who are prepared to testify about Cheng’s abuse, called the plea deal a “sweetheart deal” for the doctor. The lawyer emphasized that Cheng’s actions were not only predatory but also involved filming the assaults, making the case especially heinous. “If that is a case you’re concerned about losing, then I don’t know what kind of case you’d be willing to try,” he said.

Missing Victims and Incomplete Justice

The plea deal also leaves many questions unanswered, particularly regarding other victims who were filmed being assaulted by Cheng but are yet to be identified. According to the DA’s office, additional videos were discovered on Cheng’s devices, showing him assaulting women in locations across New York, Las Vegas, and even overseas. However, the plea agreement contains no provisions requiring Cheng to reveal the identities of these victims or provide further details about the abuse.

Attorney Liakas believes the omission of details about how Cheng obtained the drugs used to sedate his victims—specifically hospital-grade sedatives like propofol—leaves important questions unresolved. These omissions could ultimately protect institutions like NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where Cheng worked, from further scrutiny and accountability.

The Hospital’s Role and Ongoing Legal Actions

The hospital fired Dr. Cheng once they learned of the criminal investigation, but survivors’ attorneys believe that the hospital’s inadequate oversight allowed the abuse to continue unchecked. There is a civil lawsuit against New York-Presbyterian, which argues that the hospital’s negligence contributed to the sexual violence perpetrated by Cheng.

Despite the plea deal, the DA’s office maintains that the agreement was necessary to avoid a lengthy trial and to secure a substantial prison sentence for Cheng. Queens DA spokesperson Brendan Brosh defended the plea, saying that prosecutors spent hundreds of hours reviewing evidence to build a strong case. However, many survivors feel this deal minimizes their suffering and fails to hold Cheng fully accountable for his crimes.

The Fight for Justice Continues

As this case unfolds, the survivors and their attorneys are committed to ensuring that Cheng is held accountable for all his actions and that the institutions involved face proper scrutiny. The fight for justice extends beyond the criminal case, with ongoing legal actions aimed at holding New York-Presbyterian accountable for its role in enabling Cheng’s predatory behavior.

If you or someone you know has been affected by doctor sexual abuse or assault, it’s important to understand your rights and available legal options. At Helping Survivors, we offer support and resources for survivors of sexual violence and can connect you to trusted legal professionals to help you take the next steps in your healing journey. Please don’t hesitate to contact Helping Survivors today.

Have you experienced sexual assault or abuse?
We can help answer your questions and connect you with an attorney if you may have a case.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Want To Speak With A Lawyer?

Understand your legal rights and options as a survivor of sexual assault and abuse.
white man in suit smiling
helping survivors badge