QUEENS, NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James V. McDonald have announced that Dr. QiLi Li faces charges for allegedly misusing nearly $300,000 in state grant money meant for expanding abortion services at her Flushing medical practice.
Dr. Li, 54, of Great Neck, was charged with grand larceny in the second degree, criminal possession of stolen property in the second degree, and falsifying business records in the first degree. She was arraigned on Wednesday and is set to return to court on January 12, 2026. If convicted, she could face five to 15 years in prison.
According to District Attorney Katz, Dr. Li applied for a state grant under the pretense of providing abortion care. Katz stated, “As alleged, this defendant applied for a state grant under the guise of using it for abortion care… The money went instead to expand her business by providing cosmetic procedures.”
Dr. Li filed an application for a grant from the New York State Department of Health on July 25, 2022, claiming she would offer abortion services for free at her practice located at 136-20 38th Avenue. The application included promises to extend her hours, purchase new equipment, and hire more staff.
Li received approval for $340,000 in grant funds and, in August 2023, submitted reimbursement vouchers for purported expenditures on surgical equipment and additional staff. She received two state payments totaling $287,941.
An investigation revealed that Dr. Li did not extend her practice hours and did not purchase surgical equipment. Despite claiming to employ two registered nurses, neither worked as an RN.
Investigators found that the office space, which was meant to serve the expanded practice, was actually operating as a medical spa, offering cosmetic procedures. Following the investigation, Dr. Li made restitution of $287,941 to the New York State Department of Health.
Dr. Li’s case was investigated by personnel from both the New York State Department of Health and the Queens District Attorney’s Office. The investigation and charges highlight ongoing efforts to ensure proper use of public funds designated for healthcare services.
Dr. Li’s alleged scheme raises serious questions about the integrity of funding meant to support abortion services in New York.
