News Summary
Chief U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman has been assigned to the case of Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, who faces 36 federal charges including healthcare fraud and sexual misconduct. Allegations involve unnecessary medical procedures, coercion, and misuse of medical devices. Despite maintaining his innocence and plans to reopen his clinic, Dr. Kumar’s legal troubles raise significant concerns about patient safety and healthcare accountability in Memphis.
Memphis – Chief U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman has been assigned to the high-profile case of Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, an East Memphis physician indicted on 23 federal charges, including healthcare fraud and coercing individuals into sexual acts. The case was transferred to Judge Lipman on July 28, 2025, according to the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee.
Dr. Kumar faces serious allegations involving unnecessary medical procedures and the improper reuse of single-use medical devices. Patients have reportedly undergone unnecessary procedures without proper informed consent, and federal authorities allege that some claims had been submitted to Medicare and Medicaid based on false symptoms. The charges also encompass misbranding and the unauthorized reuse of medical devices, presenting significant concerns regarding patient safety and health.
In light of the charges, the state of Tennessee issued a report in April 2025 stating that Dr. Kumar is barred from prescribing Schedule II drugs while the legal proceedings continue. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Dr. Kumar maintains his innocence and has expressed intentions for his clinic to reopen, arguing that patients should have the right to choose their healthcare provider. His attorney emphasized the unique services offered at his clinic, which provide specialized healthcare not available within a 200-mile radius of Memphis. However, as of July 29, 2025, the clinic remains classified as temporarily closed on Google.
Dr. Kumar, who is noted to be one of only 300 specialists nationwide in gynecologic oncology and high-risk pelvic surgery, faces severe penalties if convicted. He could receive up to 20 years in prison for sexual offenses and face similar sentences for violations involving healthcare fraud and misuse of medical devices. In total, Dr. Kumar is confronted with 36 federal charges, which continued to increase as more allegations were added just before the transfer to the new judge.
The allegations against Dr. Kumar include coercing at least four women to engage in sexual acts, conducting unnecessary medical procedures, and endangering patient safety by mishandling medical instruments. The case has garnered widespread media coverage and heightened public scrutiny of Dr. Kumar’s practice, significantly impacting the perception of his work among current and potential patients.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
A trial date has not yet been set following the reassignment of the case to Judge Lipman. Legal experts suggest that as the case moves forward, the complexities of the allegations, combined with their serious nature, will lead to extensive courtroom proceedings. The outcome may have significant implications for Dr. Kumar’s future and the operations of his medical practice.
Background Information
This case spotlights profound concerns within the healthcare sector about patient rights, safety, and provider accountability. The issues surrounding Dr. Kumar’s practices raise important questions regarding the regulation of medical procedures and the ethical obligations of healthcare providers. As the case unfolds, further information will emerge, revealing the broader implications for healthcare standards and practices in Memphis and beyond.
As the judicial process continues, both supporters and detractors of Dr. Kumar are expected to watch closely, assessing not only the legal viability of the charges against him but also the overarching discourse about healthcare quality and patient protection in the community.
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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 MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
