Federal Judge Rules That Michigan VA Psychiatrist Jennifer Robinson Initiated Sexual Relationship with Patient; Lawsuit May Proceed

May 1, 2025

A federal judge has determined a military veteran’s lawsuit can proceed against both the U.S. government and a federal psychiatrist on the accusations the she engaged in an improper romantic and sexual relationship with the veteran.

U.S. District Judge Gershwin Drain ruled last week that Veterans Administration psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Robinson can be sued personally by Marine veteran Trey Cholewa on his claims she initiated an intimate relationship with him while Cholewa was being treated in 2017 for brain injury and PTSD from his combat action in the Middle East. Also, the federal government can be sued for alleged non-sexual misconduct related to the alleged abuse, according to the ruling.

The ruling in a 37-page opinion was in response to Robinson seeking full government immunity.

It means Robinson cannot be protected by immunity because the alleged sexual and romantic instances occurred outside the scope of her employment, and that the government can remain a defendant because she allegedly took related actions that were within her scope of employment.

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