News Summary
The United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee has appointed Chief U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman to oversee the federal case against Dr. Sanjeev Kumar. Facing 36 federal charges, including healthcare fraud and coercion of sexual acts, the case has raised serious concerns over patient safety and ethical practices. With a history of alleged misconduct related to unnecessary medical procedures and misuse of medical devices, the future of Dr. Kumar’s medical practice remains uncertain as legal proceedings unfold.
Memphis, Tennessee — New Judge Appointed to High-Profile Federal Case
The United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee has assigned Chief U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman to oversee the case of Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, an East Memphis-based doctor facing multiple federal charges. The case transfer was officially announced on July 28, 2025.
Summary of Charges Against Dr. Sanjeev Kumar
Dr. Kumar has been indicted on 36 federal charges, including serious allegations of healthcare fraud, coercion of sexual acts, and misuse of medical devices. These charges accuse him of conducting unnecessary medical procedures, reusing single-use devices without proper sterilization, and submitting false claims to Medicare and Medicaid. Among the most severe accusations are allegations of coercing at least four women into sexual acts, which could lead to a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Case Development and Legal Proceedings
The case, which involves allegations of misconduct spanning over recent years, was transferred to Judge Lipman as of July 28. A new trial date has not yet been scheduled, pending further legal proceedings. The indictment was supplemented with additional charges shortly before the case was reassigned, reflecting the gravity and complexity of the case. The indictment details a series of allegations including conducting unnecessary procedures and improper rebranding or reuse of medical devices, practices that have raised concerns over patient safety and ethics.
Impact on Medical Practice and Patient Care
Dr. Kumar’s medical practice, located in East Memphis, specializes in gynecologic oncology and high-risk pelvic surgery, treatments that are not widely available within a 200-mile radius of Memphis. The clinic was previously closed but is expected to reopen once appropriate conditions are met. As of July 29, 2025, the clinic remains listed as temporarily closed on Google.
In April 2025, the state of Tennessee issued a report that prohibited Dr. Kumar from prescribing Schedule II drugs, reflecting regulatory actions related to his case. Despite the allegations, his attorney maintains that patients may still choose to seek care from Dr. Kumar, citing his reputation as one of only approximately 300 specialists nationwide in his fields.
Legal and Regulatory Restrictions
While the case proceeds, Dr. Kumar faces restrictions that include a prohibition from prescribing certain medications during the ongoing legal process. The Tennessee medical board and federal authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with investigations revealing a pattern of alleged misconduct including coercion, unnecessary procedures, and healthcare fraud.
Details of Alleged Malpractice
The indictment states that Dr. Kumar’s clinic reused single-use medical devices, compromising patient safety and health. Patients are said to have undergone unnecessary procedures without proper informed consent, and some reports suggest that falsified symptoms were submitted to federal programs to obtain reimbursement. These allegations have attracted widespread media attention, influencing public perception of the doctor’s reputation.
Legal and Community Response
Dr. Kumar, who denies any wrongdoing, has stated that the reopening of his clinic would allow patients the choice of healthcare providers. His legal team emphasizes his specialization and the limited availability of similar services nearby. Meanwhile, the case continues to generate significant media coverage, which has heightened scrutiny over the allegations and the hospital practices involved.
Summary
The case against Dr. Sanjeev Kumar remains ongoing following the assignment of Judge Sheryl H. Lipman. Authorities allege extensive misconduct involving coercion, fraudulent billing, and unsafe medical practices, with potential penalties including decades in prison. The legal proceedings and regulatory actions will determine the future of Dr. Kumar’s practice and the protection of patient safety in the region.
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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 WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, 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 regional 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 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
