New Judge Assigned in Memphis Doctor’s Federal Case

The courthouse where the healthcare fraud case is being addressed.

News Summary

A new judge, Chief U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman, has been appointed to preside over the federal case of Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, who faces 36 serious charges, including healthcare fraud and sexual coercion. Dr. Kumar’s medical clinic remains temporarily closed amid ongoing investigations, and he is barred from prescribing certain medications. The case has raised significant concerns regarding patient safety and ethics in healthcare, leading to substantial media attention. Legal proceedings will continue to be monitored due to the serious implications involved.

Memphis, TN – A new judge has been assigned to the case of Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, a Memphis doctor facing a series of serious federal charges. Chief U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman will preside over the case following the transfer announcement made by the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee on July 28, 2025.

Dr. Kumar was indicted on a total of 36 federal charges, including 23 charges related to healthcare fraud and coercion. The indictment alleges that he coerced at least four women into sexual acts, conducted unnecessary medical procedures, and improperly reused single-use medical devices without the necessary cleaning or disinfection. The severe nature of the allegations places Dr. Kumar at risk of facing maximum penalties of 20 years in prison for sexual offenses, with similar sanctions applicable for healthcare fraud and the misuse of medical devices.

The details surrounding the indictment include troubling reports from patients who claim they underwent unnecessary procedures without proper informed consent. Allegations have also surfaced asserting that Dr. Kumar submitted false claims to Medicare and Medicaid based on these falsified symptoms. The charges reflect a significant breach of trust and medical ethics, raising concerns about the safety and wellbeing of his patients.

Dr. Kumar’s clinic, which specializes in gynecologic oncology and high-risk pelvic surgery, had been closed amid the ongoing investigation, however, there are plans for the clinic to reopen under specific conditions. His attorney stated that even amid these serious allegations, patients still retain the freedom to choose their healthcare provider, including the option to seek care from Dr. Kumar if they deem it appropriate.

In April 2025, the state of Tennessee issued a report indicating that Dr. Kumar is currently prohibited from prescribing Schedule II drugs while the case is active. This prohibition represents a significant impact on his medical practice. Furthermore, his specialty is particularly notable; he is one of only approximately 300 specialists nationwide qualified in his field, making his clinic’s offerings unique within a 200-mile radius of Memphis.

As of now, the clinic is still marked as temporarily closed on Google, and a new trial date has yet to be set following the transfer of the case to the new judge. The case has attracted considerable media attention, influencing public perception surrounding Dr. Kumar and his practice.

The allegations against Dr. Kumar have serious implications not only for him personally but also for the patients who seek specialized care within his clinic. The upcoming legal proceedings will likely shed more light on the serious nature of the charges and the future of his medical practice.

The ongoing case against Dr. Kumar will be closely monitored as it progresses through the judicial system, especially given the gravity of the charges and their potential impact on healthcare practices in the region.