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Outrage Over Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng Plea Deal

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The recent plea deal for Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng, a gastroenterologist convicted of systematically drugging, filming, and sexually assaulting both hospital patients and acquaintances, has ignited fierce backlash from the survivors. While Cheng pleaded guilty to seven counts (four rapes, three sexual abuse charges), he avoided trial on dozens more even though prosecutors originally charged him with over 50 counts spanning from first-degree rape to predatory sexual assault.

Victims and advocates call the outcome a sweetheart deal, arguing the DA offered a lenient agreement to close the case without fully acknowledging the scale of abuse. One survivor lamented:

“He is getting off light. He can kind of rebuild his life because he’s fairly young”


The Case by the Facts

In June 2025, Cheng pleaded guilty to seven counts of sexual misconduct, only a fraction of the charges he once faced. Investigators found video evidence of unconscious victims, some as young as 19, being assaulted during sedation at NewYork‑Presbyterian Queens and at Cheng’s apartment in Astoria. Authorities seized controlled substances (propofol, ketamine, fentanyl, sevoflurane) allegedly used to incapacitate victims for abuse.

Sentencing is set for August 28, 2025, with prosecutors seeking a 24-year prison term, a ruling many survivors believe undervalues the cruelty and betrayal of a physician’s oath. At that time, survivors get to speak via victim impact statements.


Why Survivors Are Outraged

1. Undercharging & Limited Admission of Responsibility

Many victims remain unnamed, and unrepresented photos on Cheng’s devices hinted at assaults in other states and abroad. Yet under the plea, Cheng admitted guilt only in a select few cases, avoiding full accountability.

2. No Institutional Transparency

Despite clear evidence of abuse on hospital premises, the plea deal does not compel Cheng or the institution to explain how he obtained and administered sedation. Survivors say this omission shields NewYork‑Presbyterian from meaningful scrutiny.

3. Lack of Survivor-Centered Justice

Without a trial, survivors lose the opportunity to testify publicly, see cross-examination, or prevent the doctor from controlling the narrative. Many feel the justice system prioritized procedural efficiency over visibility and healing.


We Spoke About Dr. Cheng in 2023, and This Isn’t New

Back in 2023, Andreozzi + Foote covered Cheng’s initial indictment extensively. We called him what he was, a serial sexual predator who exploited positions of power, used anesthesia to silence victims, and violated the most basic trust a patient can place in a doctor.

We recognized early that this case wasn’t typical; it was emblematic of broader systemic failings within healthcare. The plea deal outcome only confirms what we thought then: there is a gulf between criminal justice resolution and survivors’ demands for truth, visibility, and transparency.


Protect Survivor Rights Post-Plea

While criminal justice has delivered some accountability, civil litigation offers survivors their strongest path toward justice:

  • Medical malpractice lawsuits and negligent supervision claims can shine light on institutional accountability even when plea deals obscure the full picture.
  • Statutes of limitations: In New York, survivors typically have three years from the date of discovery, meaning many still have time to file civil claims.
  • Survivors deserve opportunities to be heard, to confront institutions, and to secure reparations beyond criminal sentencing.

How Andreozzi + Foote Helps Survivors in Medical Abuse Cases

Our firm has deep experience representing survivors in cases like Dr. ­Cheng’s:

  • We help identify and contact previously unknown victims, ensuring no survivor remains invisible.
  • We pursue strategic evidence discovery in hospital negligence claims even when criminal proceedings avoid scrutiny.
  • We’ve supported survivors through joint civil cases against powerful institutions, making them legally accountable when criminal processes fall short.

You can still take action.


Take Action

With the criminal case in the rearview, now is the time for survivors to seek justice through the civil courts. If you or a loved one may have been harmed by Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng or another medical professional, and want to understand your options:

  • Even if you were unconscious or sedated, you still have legal rights.
  • You may qualify to file a civil claim for sexual assault, medical battery, or negligent supervision.
  • Time is limited under New York’s discovery-based statutes. Don’t wait.

At Andreozzi + Foote, we believe survivors deserve full justice: truth, transparency, and institutional accountability. Reach out confidentially, your voice still matters. 1-866-753-5458

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We understand the courage it takes to reach out for help, and we are here to listen. At Andreozzi + Foote, our trauma-informed attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate, confidential support every step of the way. With extensive experience in advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where your voice is heard and your rights are fiercely protected. Contact us today for a free, in-depth consultation and take the first step toward justice.

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