Introduction to the Case
Queens doctor Zhi Alan Cheng is expected to plead guilty to sex crime charges Monday, two years after the NBC New York I-Team and Telemundo 47 Investiga first revealed monstrous allegations that he drugged multiple women, including medical patients, and used his cell phone to record himself violating them sexually.
Expected Plea and Sentence
According to two people close to the criminal case, Cheng is expected to admit guilt to at least some of the charges against him and accept a sentence of up to 24 years in prison.
Reaction from Attorney and Hospital
Nick Liakas, an attorney representing four women who’ve alleged Cheng raped or sexually abused them, said a potential guilty plea in the criminal case is only a first step toward justice. His clients are now suing NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Queens, the facility which employed Cheng during some of the alleged crimes. The lawsuits claim hospital administrators should have taken earlier action to limit Cheng’s access to patients and to anesthesia drugs.
Details of the Allegations
Cheng is facing more than 60 sex crime charges, including allegations he raped four women inside his Queens home and sexually abused four patients inside NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Queens. When asked about the potential guilty plea, a representative for the NewYork-Presbyterian sent the I-Team this statement: "As caregivers, we are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of our patients. It is a sacred trust. The crimes committed by this individual are heinous, despicable, and a fundamental betrayal of our mission and the patients’ trust. We are deeply sorry for all that the victims and their families have endured. We have continuously worked with law enforcement and with the District Attorney’s office to advance this investigation and see that justice is served.”
Additional Victims and Investigation
One of the alleged victims of Doctor Zhi Alan Cheng is speaking after the Queens DA revealed dozens of rape and abuse charges against the doctor. Melinda Katz, the Queens district attorney, has said videos extracted from Cheng’s phone suggest he may have also raped or sexually abused women in other parts of the country and world – women who are not a part of the New York case.
Plea Details and Cooperation
It wasn’t immediately clear whether Cheng was expected to plead guilty to all the charges he faces – or whether he plans to admit guilt to only some of the alleged conduct. It was also unknown if he offered to cooperate with prosecutors in exchange for a more lenient sentencing recommendation. A spokesperson for Katz’s office declined to confirm details of any potential plea, only saying the defendant is due in court on Monday. Cheng’s attorney, Jeffrey Einhorn, did not immediately respond to the I-Team’s request for comment.
Conclusion
The expected guilty plea from Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng marks a significant step towards justice for the victims of his alleged sex crimes. However, the case also highlights the need for hospitals and medical institutions to take proactive measures to protect patients from abuse and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
FAQs
- Q: What is Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng expected to plead guilty to?
A: Dr. Cheng is expected to plead guilty to sex crime charges, potentially admitting to at least some of the over 60 charges against him. - Q: What is the potential sentence for Dr. Cheng?
A: Dr. Cheng could face up to 24 years in prison as part of his plea agreement. - Q: Who is suing NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Queens and why?
A: Four women who allege they were raped or sexually abused by Dr. Cheng are suing the hospital, claiming administrators should have taken earlier action to limit his access to patients and anesthesia drugs. - Q: Are there potential victims outside of New York?
A: Yes, according to the Queens district attorney, videos found on Dr. Cheng’s phone suggest he may have also committed crimes against women in other parts of the country and world.
