News Summary
A new judge, Chief U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman, has been assigned to oversee the case of Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, who faces 36 federal charges, including healthcare fraud and coercing individuals into sexual acts. Dr. Kumar maintains his innocence amid serious allegations of malpractice and patient safety concerns. With ongoing legal developments, the future of his medical practice and the trial timeline remains uncertain.
Memphis, TN — A new judge has been assigned to the high-profile case of Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, an East Memphis physician facing a staggering 36 federal charges, including healthcare fraud and coercing individuals into sexual acts. Chief U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman will oversee the case, which was transferred to her jurisdiction by the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee on July 28, 2025. This transition comes as Dr. Kumar continues to confront serious allegations that could result in substantial prison time.
Dr. Kumar, who specializes in gynecologic oncology and high-risk pelvic surgery, has been indicted on a total of 23 federal charges. The allegations include performing unnecessary medical procedures, reusing single-use medical devices without proper cleaning or disinfection, and submitting falsified claims to Medicare and Medicaid. If convicted, he could face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for sexual offenses, along with similar penalties for charges related to healthcare fraud and the misuse of medical devices.
In April 2025, the state of Tennessee took precautionary measures by prohibiting Dr. Kumar from prescribing any Schedule II drugs while his case is still moving through the legal system. Despite the serious nature of the allegations against him, Dr. Kumar maintains his innocence. His attorney has pointed out that reopening his clinic allows patients to make their own healthcare choices, underlining that Dr. Kumar is one of only 300 specialists in the country within his field.
The clinic operated by Dr. Kumar offers specialized services not available within a 200-mile radius of Memphis, further complicating the situation for patients who may wish to continue their care with him. Although the clinic had been previously closed amid the growing allegations, there are indications that it may reopen under stipulated conditions. As of July 29, 2025, however, the clinic is still listed as temporarily closed on Google.
As the case progresses, it has become clear that Dr. Kumar’s practice involved practices that some reports claim compromised patient safety. Allegations include coercing at least four women into sexual acts, conducting unnecessary procedures without proper informed consent, and the risky reuse of single-use medical devices. These actions have sparked significant media attention and public scrutiny, which may have influenced perceptions regarding Dr. Kumar.
Further complicating matters, new charges were filed against Dr. Kumar just before the transfer of his case to the new judge. These charges add to the 36 federal claims being brought against him, suggesting that the investigation remains ongoing and is yielding new information that could impact the legal proceedings.
As of now, a new trial date has not been scheduled following the judge’s appointment, leaving many questions unanswered for both the defendant and the public. The continuing developments in Dr. Kumar’s case are being closely monitored, especially given the serious nature of the allegations and the health implications surrounding his medical practice.
The court will likely consider both the severity of the accusations and the ongoing concerns regarding patient health and safety as the case unfolds. Dr. Kumar’s situation serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of regulations and oversight in the healthcare industry.
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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 BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore 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 the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
