Memphis, TN, July 31, 2025
News Summary
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, a physician in Memphis, faces 36 federal charges, including healthcare fraud and sexual coercion. Chief U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman will oversee the case, with potential penalties reaching 20 years in prison. Allegations involve coercing women into sexual acts and misuse of medical devices, raising serious patient safety concerns. The case has attracted significant media attention due to the serious nature of the crimes and Dr. Kumar’s unique medical specialty.
Memphis, TN – Chief U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman has been assigned to handle the case of Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, a physician from East Memphis who faces multiple federal charges, including healthcare fraud and sexual coercion. The transfer of the case was announced by the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee on July 28, 2025.
Dr. Kumar has been indicted on a total of 36 federal charges, with allegations ranging from coercing at least four women into sexual acts to conducting unnecessary medical procedures. The indictment also includes severe accusations of misbranding and improperly reusing single-use medical devices without adequate cleaning or disinfection, raising considerable concerns around patient safety.
The penalties Dr. Kumar faces are serious; he could receive a maximum of 20 years in prison for sexual offenses, as well as similar sentences for healthcare fraud and the misuse of medical devices. Notably, before the case transitioned to the new jurisdiction, additional charges were filed against him.
The state of Tennessee issued a report in April 2025 prohibiting Dr. Kumar from prescribing Schedule II drugs while the case proceeds. This regulatory action emphasizes the heightened scrutiny under which his medical practice now operates. His clinic, initially closed due to the ongoing investigation, is expected to reopen under specific conditions, although it continues to be displayed as temporarily closed on Google as of July 29, 2025.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Dr. Kumar denies any wrongdoing. His attorney points out that he is one of only 300 specialists in gynecologic oncology and high-risk pelvic surgery across the country, emphasizing the unique and specialized services his clinic offers to patients within a 200-mile radius of Memphis.
The controversy surrounding Dr. Kumar has attracted significant media attention, potentially impacting public perception. His clinic provides essential healthcare services that may not be available from other providers in the region, allowing patients to make choices regarding their healthcare despite the existing allegations. Patients reportedly underwent various unnecessary procedures, sometimes without proper informed consent, leading to claims that were submitted to Medicare and Medicaid based on falsified symptoms.
A new trial date for Dr. Kumar’s case has not yet been established following the case’s reassignment. The outcomes of this case will not only determine Dr. Kumar’s future but may also influence broader conversations surrounding patient safety and ethical practices within the healthcare field.
Key Details of the Case
- New judge assigned: Chief U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman
- Total charges against Dr. Kumar: 36, including sexual offenses and healthcare fraud.
- Maximum penalty for offenses: up to 20 years in prison.
- Clinic services: Specialized care in gynecologic oncology and high-risk pelvic surgery.
- Current status of the clinic: Listed as temporarily closed as of July 29, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges has Dr. Sanjeev Kumar faced?
Dr. Kumar faces 36 federal charges, including healthcare fraud, coercion into sexual acts, and misuse of medical devices.
What are the potential penalties for Dr. Kumar?
He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for sexual offenses, with similar penalties for healthcare fraud and misuse of medical devices.
When was the case reassigned to Chief Judge Lipman?
The case was reassigned on July 28, 2025.
Is Dr. Kumar allowed to reopen his clinic?
Dr. Kumar’s clinic is expected to reopen under certain conditions, although it is currently listed as temporarily closed.
What unique services does Dr. Kumar provide?
He is one of only 300 specialists nationwide in gynecologic oncology and high-risk pelvic surgery, with services not available within a 200-mile radius of Memphis.
Case Overview Chart
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Judge | Chief U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman |
| Total Federal Charges | 36 |
| Maximum Penalty | 20 years in prison |
| Clinic Status | Temporarily Closed |
| Specialization | Gynecologic oncology and high-risk pelvic surgery |
| Distance to Other Specialists | Within a 200-mile radius of Memphis |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
