A Chinese-American gastroenterology and hepatology doctor in Queens, New York, Cheng Zhi (transliteration), has been accused of drugging and sexually assaulting multiple women at both his hospital and his home, including patients and acquaintances—a case that shocked society. On Monday (June 30), he appeared in court and pleaded guilty, facing up to 24 years in prison.
According to the Queens District Attorney's Office, 35-year-old Cheng Zhi admitted to sexually assaulting seven women, three of whom were patients at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Hospital where he worked; another woman has also been identified as a victim by prosecutors.
Cheng Zhi was arrested in 2022 after a female acquaintance discovered footage of herself being drugged and raped at his home. Police subsequently searched his residence and electronic devices, finding multiple videos of him sexually assaulting unconscious women at the hospital and his home, and they also recovered liquid anesthetics.
Prosecutors noted that most victims had been injected with sedatives and were completely unconscious during the assaults. One patient was drugged during a gastrointestinal procedure and even woke up in the process.
Queens District Attorney Katz stated that Cheng Zhi's actions were "violent, perverted, and appalling," and a serious violation of the ethical oath that comes with being a healthcare professional.
The hospital also released a statement condemning Cheng Zhi's actions as a complete betrayal of patient trust and offering apologies to all victims and their families. The involved hospital is fully cooperating with the authorities' investigation, and Cheng Zhi's medical license has been revoked.
His attorney stated that Cheng Zhi is remorseful for his crimes and has reached a plea agreement with prosecutors, awaiting final sentencing by the court.
According to the Queens District Attorney's Office, 35-year-old Cheng Zhi admitted to sexually assaulting seven women, three of whom were patients at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Hospital where he worked; another woman has also been identified as a victim by prosecutors.
Cheng Zhi was arrested in 2022 after a female acquaintance discovered footage of herself being drugged and raped at his home. Police subsequently searched his residence and electronic devices, finding multiple videos of him sexually assaulting unconscious women at the hospital and his home, and they also recovered liquid anesthetics.
Prosecutors noted that most victims had been injected with sedatives and were completely unconscious during the assaults. One patient was drugged during a gastrointestinal procedure and even woke up in the process.
Queens District Attorney Katz stated that Cheng Zhi's actions were "violent, perverted, and appalling," and a serious violation of the ethical oath that comes with being a healthcare professional.
The hospital also released a statement condemning Cheng Zhi's actions as a complete betrayal of patient trust and offering apologies to all victims and their families. The involved hospital is fully cooperating with the authorities' investigation, and Cheng Zhi's medical license has been revoked.
His attorney stated that Cheng Zhi is remorseful for his crimes and has reached a plea agreement with prosecutors, awaiting final sentencing by the court.