URGENT UPDATE: Dr. Vivek Bhalla, President of Summa Health Medical Group, has been arrested on serious charges under Ohio’s revenge porn law. The arrest took place last Saturday at his home in Copley, Ohio, raising immediate concerns about the leadership of a prominent healthcare organization.
According to reports from Cleveland 19, Bhalla is facing a fifth-degree felony charge for allegedly disseminating a pornographic image of an adult woman without her consent. The image reportedly depicts the victim in a state of nudity or engaged in a sexual act, shared with the intent to cause harm. This shocking revelation underscores the gravity of the situation involving a high-profile healthcare executive.
Following his court appearance on October 20, 2023, Bhalla’s bond was set at $5,000. He promptly paid the required 10% and has since been released, as the case is now slated to go before the Summit County Grand Jury.
In a statement, Bhalla’s legal team confirmed they are conducting an active investigation into the allegations. “A forensic examination of the evidence has not occurred. Once that evidence is available, we will comment further,” they stated, emphasizing the need for a thorough review of the situation.
Meanwhile, Summa Health Medical Group has placed Bhalla on leave, expressing their commitment to addressing the allegations with the seriousness they deserve. The organization has chosen to withhold further comments to respect the ongoing legal process.
In a perplexing twist, reports indicate that when confronted by law enforcement, Bhalla attempted to deflect responsibility by claiming, “Oh yea. I don’t know about that,” while suggesting that his phone had been in the possession of others. However, during his detention, he reportedly attempted to hand his phone to his mother and refused to provide officers with his phone passcode, raising further questions about his involvement.
Additionally, Bhalla’s past conduct includes a 2013 domestic violence charge, for which he accepted a plea deal. This history may play a critical role as prosecutors evaluate the current case, potentially establishing a motive.
As this situation develops, all eyes are on the forthcoming actions of the Summit County Grand Jury and the potential implications for Bhalla’s career and the reputation of Summa Health Medical Group. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
