Reagan T. Fondren Acting United States Attorney Western District Of Tennessee | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee
Memphis, TN – Sanjeev Kumar, a gynecologist, has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses including enticing four victims to travel interstate for illegal sexual activity, adulterating medical devices, misbranding medical devices, and healthcare fraud. The announcement was made by Reagan Fondren, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
The indictment claims that from September 2019 to June 2024, Kumar allegedly lured victims to his Memphis office under false pretenses. He is accused of performing unnecessary gynecologic procedures using unsanitary and reused medical devices without informing patients. Additionally, he billed Medicare and Medicaid as if new or properly reprocessed devices were used.
Acting U.S. Attorney Fondren stated: “Kumar was consistently the top-paid provider in Tennessee for Medicare and Medicaid for hysteroscopy biopsy services, and he profited substantially from these criminal acts. The allegations indicate that Kumar acted as a predator in a white coat and used the cover of conducting medical examinations to put his patients at risk and enrich himself.”
Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office commented on the case: “This doctor put profit ahead of patients.” He emphasized that there could be more victims who have not yet come forward. Carrico encouraged anyone with information or those affected by these alleged crimes to visit www.fbi.gov/KumarVictims.
Kelly Blackmon from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General added: “Physicians have a sworn duty to prioritize the health and safety of their patients.” She affirmed HHS-OIG's commitment to working with law enforcement partners against those exploiting patients for personal gain.
The investigation involves several agencies including HHS-OIG, FDA-OCI, FBI, and TBI. It is important to note that charges are accusations only; Kumar is presumed innocent until proven guilty through due process.
Fondren expressed gratitude towards Assistant United States Attorneys Lynn Crum, Scott Smith, Sarah Pazar Williams for prosecuting this case along with law enforcement partners involved in the investigation.
