News Summary
A new federal judge has been appointed to oversee the case of Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, accused of multiple charges, including healthcare fraud and coercing women into sexual acts. This high-profile case, now under Chief U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman, involves serious allegations of misconduct affecting patient safety. Dr. Kumar’s legal team asserts his innocence, while community responses remain critical of the situation. As legal proceedings evolve, the status of his clinic and the implications for medical ethics are under scrutiny.
Memphis, Tennessee — New Judge Assigned to High-Profile Federal Case
A new federal judge has been appointed to oversee the case involving Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, a Memphis-based physician facing multiple serious charges. The United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee transferred the case on July 28, 2025, placing Chief U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman at the helm of proceedings related to the indicted doctor.
Overview of the Charges
Dr. Kumar, an East Memphis physician, has been formally indicted on 23 federal charges, encompassing allegations of healthcare fraud, coercion of women into sexual acts, and other criminal misconduct. Specifically, the indictment accuses him of performing unnecessary medical procedures, reusing single-use medical devices without proper sterilization, and submitting fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid systems. The case has since seen additional charges added, bringing the total to 36 federal charges.
Legal and Medical Implications
The indictment details allegations of coercing at least four women into sexual acts, which could lead to a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for sexual offenses. Charges related to healthcare fraud and the misuse of medical devices carry similar penalties. The case paints a picture of potentially gross misconduct involving patient safety violations, including the reuse of sterile medical tools and performing unnecessary procedures on patients—some of whom allegedly were not fully informed of the nature of their treatment or the risks involved.
State Restrictions and Clinic Status
In April 2025, the state of Tennessee issued a report banning Dr. Kumar from prescribing Schedule II drugs, which include powerful controlled substances, while legal proceedings continue. Despite these restrictions and ongoing investigations, Dr. Kumar’s legal team emphasizes his innocence and advocates for continuity of care. His attorney stated that re-opening his clinic would allow patients to choose whether to continue their treatments with him, citing his specialization as one of approximately 300 nationally in gynecologic oncology and high-risk pelvic surgery.
The clinic, previously closed amid the investigation, is reported to be in the process of potentially reopening under certain conditions. Currently, however, it remains listed as temporarily closed on Google as of July 29, 2025, and no new trial date has been set since the case’s transfer to the new judge.
Patient Safety and Allegations
The indictment alleges that Dr. Kumar’s practice compromised patient health and safety by reusing single-use devices, which are intended to be sterile for each individual patient. Patients reportedly underwent procedures that may not have been medically necessary, and some claims related to these procedures were submitted fraudulently under Medicare and Medicaid programs. The case also involves claims that patients were not adequately informed about the procedures they received.
Public and Media Response
The case has attracted considerable media attention, raising concerns about medical ethics and patient rights in the Memphis area. The high-profile nature of the allegations has impacted public perception of Dr. Kumar’s medical practice, even as legal proceedings are ongoing.
Next Steps in Legal Proceedings
Follow-up is expected as authorities prepare for trial proceedings under the new judgeship. The case continues to evolve as prosecutors and defense attorneys assess next steps and address the remaining charges. As the legal process advances, the community awaits further updates regarding potential trial dates and the resolution of the case.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Charges Against New Jersey Doctor Ritesh Kalra
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Additional Resources
- WREG: New Judge Transferred to Case
- Google Search: Dr. Sanjeev Kumar
- Eastern Progress: New Judge Takes Over Case
- Wikipedia: Healthcare Fraud
- Local Memphis: Memphis Doctor Indicted
- Google News: Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Case
- Fox 13 Memphis: More Charges for Indicted Gynecologist
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Safety
- Action News 5: Trial Set for Memphis Doctor
- Google Scholar: Healthcare Fraud Case
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and the American Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Virginia Beach, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense that power the local economy such as the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Northrop Grumman. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
