Complaints against a Southaven OB-GYN that led to his license being temporarily suspended may be among the reasons he has now been indicted and is facing more serious charges.
Dr. Gregory Norwood, who among his practice locations was Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto in Southaven, this week was indicted by a grand jury and now faces charges of sexual battery, charges that appear to have stemmed from investigations as far back as 2016 into complaints by women against him.
Norwood surrendered himself and was released on bond pending a court date in the case.
In 2018, the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure issued an order of temporary suspension on Norwood’s license. It stated a complaint from a patient in July 2016 that alleged sexual assault against her by Norwood during a physical examination. The investigation led to Norwood’s appearance before the licensing board. The result of the appearance was that no action be taken at the time, but that the investigation would continue, however that investigation ended due to the allegations not being able to be substantiated.
Another complaint to Baptist-DeSoto in July 2018 about Norwood came from another patient who made similar allegations against the doctor as in the first case.
An investigation was started again which this time found at least two other patients, for a total of four, that made similar complaints about Norwood to the hospital.
One of the patients filed in July 2016 a complaint against Norwood to the Southaven Police Department, which looked into the case. At the time, however, he was not charged or arrested, according to the state document.
But, it was another OB-GYN who reviewed the complaints against Norwood that recommended he was an immediate danger to the public health and safety.
It was on that recommendation the state board temporarily suspended Norwood’s practicing license while further investigation took place. The order was issued on Sept. 24, 2018.
Aaron Neglia of the Wells & Associates, PLLC firm in Memphis is an attorney who represents at least 16 clients who claim illegal actions taken against them by Norwood.
Thursday night, Neglia issued a statement in response to the indictment, stating, “Tonight is a great night for the numerous victims of Dr. Norwood and Baptist Medical Group. Finally, these women’s voices are heard and Baptist Memorial Group can no longer ignore and bury these complaints of sexual battery. Dr. Norwood is in now in custody for at least 12 counts of sexual battery.
“We will not rest until Dr. Norwood and Baptist Medical Group are held accountable for their actions and/or inactions. We will bring justice to each and every victim of this serial sexual predator.”
A spokesperson for Baptist said Norwood doesn’t have practicing privileges at any Baptist hospital and hasn’t had privileges for quite a while.
Bob Bakken is Staff Writer for the DeSoto Times-Tribune.