UF Health Doctor Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges

A University of Florida Health doctor and clinical assistant professor has been arrested and charged with possession and transmission of child sexual abuse material, with investigators uncovering evidence of online grooming and additional illegal content during the investigation. The 40-year-old nephrologist, identified as Chintan Shah, was booked into Alachua County Jail following a monthslong probe that began with a cyber tip in early April.

Investigation and Arrest Details

The Alachua County Sheriff's Office Digital Crime Unit launched its investigation after receiving a cyber tip reporting a user sharing child sexual abuse material on social media. Investigators traced the account to Shah and obtained search warrants for his home on Southwest Second Place in Newberry. After authorities executed the warrants and interviewed Shah on Tuesday, he was arrested the following day on charges including possession and transmission of child sexual abuse material and use of a communication device in connection with a felony.

The arrest report indicates Shah's internet protocol address was connected to a video depicting child sexual abuse that had been shared on Kik, a messaging application previously linked to other child exploitation cases. According to investigative records, Shah displayed an emotional response when confronted about the account during questioning.

Additional Charges and Evidence

On Thursday, the sheriff's office filed additional child pornography-related charges after discovering more illegal content on Shah's phone. Investigators recovered 34 additional files, some of which were artificially generated. Forensic examination also revealed conversations between Shah and a 19-year-old woman he allegedly began grooming when she was 17 years old. In these exchanges, Shah reportedly engaged in role-play scenarios involving sexual violence against a minor.

Shah's wife provided corroborating information to investigators during interviews. The case remains active, and authorities have indicated that further charges may be filed as the investigation continues.

Employment Status

Shah served as a nephrologist, specializing in kidney disease treatment, at UF Health Shands Hospital. Following his arrest, the University of Florida placed him on administrative leave and issued a trespass notice preventing him from accessing university facilities. The institution has not released additional statements beyond confirming his employment status and institutional response.