A doctor in the Baptist network was arrested on charges of sexual battery, Tuesday, a measure his attorney calls an attempt to “railroad” a man with an unblemished career.
Dr. Min Sang Kim, 41, an internal medicine specialist at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle was arrested at his office at 515 Willowbrook Road at 2:33 p.m. Tuesday, by the Lowndes County Sheriff”s Office.
Kim”s ex-wife, Un Suk Kim of 35 Fountaindale Drive in Columbus, reported Min Kim sexually assaulted her at her home on June 2, according to Greg Wright, chief deputy with the LCSO. The case was assigned to an investigator on Tuesday.
Min Sang Kim”s attorney, David Owen, this morning said the two were together at the Silverstar casino in Philadelphia, over the weekend, days after the alleged sexual assault.
Owen noted Un Suk Kim drove the family to the casino in her ex-husband”s car — which had been awarded to him in their divorce settlement just three weeks ago — where they had dinner with their two children.
Owen further stated a sheriff”s department investigator “personally told me that Dr. Kim would not be charged with a felony through this office.”
“This same investigator took a woman scorned — because Dr. Kim had left her at the casino — before a magistrate, who assumed control of the case and signed the affidavit, the Lowndes County sheriff”s deputy, standing next the to ”victim,”” Owen continued.
“It”s so bogus, this charge, that it is a shame,” he said, noting Kim “has a stellar record as a healer of the elderly” in a town that prides itself as a retirement community.
“Columbus cannot afford the loss of such a physician at the hands of incompetent law enforcement,” he added. “They ought to hang their head in shame. These charges will not be prosecuted, I don”t think.”
Paul Cade, CEO of BMH-GT, would not comment on the matter but said Kim”s office — which has three other doctors in practice — will continue to receive patients as usual.
“Because all employee matters are confidential, it would not be appropriate for us to share details about Dr. Kim or his relationship with our organization,” he said. “We remain committed to providing high-quality care to the people of this community, and our colleagues share that commitment.”
Kim, who has practiced in Columbus for six years, was released the same day as his arrest on a $25,000 bond. His court date is Aug. 10.
Other arrests
The following felony arrests were also reported by the Lowndes County Sheriff”s Office:
- David Shane Smith, 38, of 451 Livingtston Lane in Columbus, was arrested at his home June 8 by the LCSO on a charge of rape.
- Timothy Ray Walden, 41, of 2764 Frisco Road in Columbus, was arrested June 8 at Baldor Electric by the LCSO on a charge of sexual battery.
- Amanda Carol Andrews, 35, of 268 Subdivision Road in Columbus, was arrested May 26 by the LCSO at 151 Tabernacle Road on a charge of possession of methamphetamine.
- Steven George Melton, 31, of 4404 Military Road in Columbus was arrested by the LCSO at the Gilmer Inn on a charge of manufacturing methamphetamine.
- Anthony Bernard Woods, 30, of 2050 Highway 373, in Columbus was arrested June 3 by the Mississippi Highway Patrol for three counts of the sale of cocaine, possession of cocaine, driving under the influence improper turn, no insurance and a seat belt violation.
- Carlos Montez Hawthorne, 32, of 1301 Fourth St. S., was arrested June 5 by the Columbus Police Department at 15th Street South and Sixth Avenue on charged of grand larceny and contempt of court.
- Thomas Lee Denham, 42, of 401 Fifth St. S. in Columbus, was arrested at his home on June 6 by the CPD on a charge of burglary and larceny of a dwelling.
- Tiffany Yvette Sanders, 27, of 868 MLK Drive in Columbus, was arrested on Highway 45 South on June 6 by the MHP on charges of possession of a controlled substance, avoiding a roadblock, driving with a suspended license, possession of marijuana in a vehicle, and driving without insurance.
- Anthony Darnell McClinton, 17, of 613 14th St. N. in Columbus, was arrested June 7 in the 800 block of 13th Street North by the LCSO on two counts of selling cocaine.
This story contains reporting from Dispatch News Editor Garthia Elena Burnett.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 45 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 45 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
