Key Takeaways
- Dr. Jerome Check, an 80-year-old reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist, has been charged with three counts of second-degree sexual assault involving female patients at his Mount Laurel, New Jersey, medical office.
- Prosecutors allege Check sexually assaulted three patients between December 2024 and March 2025 while alone with them in examination rooms.
- Investigators are seeking additional potential victims.
- Andreozzi + Foote represents survivors of medical sexual abuse and investigates institutional negligence.
A prominent South Jersey fertility specialist with decades of experience in reproductive medicine has been charged with sexually assaulting three female patients during medical appointments at his office in Mount Laurel, NJ, the Cooper Institute for Reproductive Hormonal Disorders.
According to a November 2, 2026, announcement from the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, Dr. Jerome H. Check, 80, of Melrose Park, Pennsylvania, faces three counts of second-degree sexual assault.
The allegations raise questions about patient safety, the abuse of medical authority, and potential institutional responsibility.
What Are the Allegations Against Dr. Jerome Check?
According to Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Mount Laurel Police Chief Timothy Hundall, “Check was taken into custody in September and [was] released following an appearance in Superior Court in Mount Holly. The case is now being prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.”
Investigators allege Check sexually assaulted three patients between December 2024 and March 2025 while alone with them in examination rooms during their appointments. Two of the patients reportedly expected informational consultations but underwent invasive examinations after Check indicated they were necessary.
The Prosecutor’s Office stated, “Investigators continue to seek possible victims. Anyone who has relevant information concerning this defendant is urged to call the Prosecutor’s Office at 609-265-5035 and ask to speak to a detective in the Special Victims Unit or submit information online at https://burlpros.org/tips or tips@mountlaurelpd.org.
Who Is Dr. Jerome Check?
Dr. Jerome Harvey Check, MD, PhD, FACOG, is a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist with several decades of medical experience.
According to his bio on his website, Check “continues to spread his intelligence as a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Division Head of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. For over 33 years, Dr. Check has held the position of Medical Director of Cooper Center for In Vitro Fertilization.”
Check practiced at the Cooper Institute for Reproductive Hormonal Disorders, PC, which maintained two locations:
- Mount Laurel, New Jersey: 17000 Commerce Parkway, Suite C
- Melrose Park, Pennsylvania: 7447 Old York Road
Check has also been affiliated with Reading Hospital in West Reading, Pennsylvania.
Check was recommended by Red Tent Wellness, which praised his unconventional approach to fertility treatment, affordability, and willingness to explore alternatives to in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Professional Recognition and Public Reputation
Throughout his career, Check received numerous professional recognitions, including being named among South Jersey Magazine’s Best Doctors and Inside Jersey Magazine’s Top Docs & Top Docs for Women in 2015. He also received the Star Award from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine for numerous years.
A NJ Top Docs article credited him with more than 800 peer-reviewed publications and touts him as an “internationally recognized pioneer whose work continues to advance the field of reproductive medicine.”
In 2018, The Philadelphia Inquirer featured his research exploring the potential use of mifepristone to treat advanced lung cancer. Check was also featured in the Jewish Community Voice for his involvement with Jewish communities.
More recently, NJ Top Docs recognized Check in December 2025 and again in 2026, only months before the sexual assault charges were publicly announced.
In a public Facebook tribute celebrating his 80th birthday, Check was described as an “amazing doctor, mentor, and inspiration to so many.”
Check’s 2021 Medical Board Disciplinary Action
Dr. Jerome Check has faced scrutiny from the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners over his prescribing practices.
According to the Courier Post, an investigation found that Check had prescribed amphetamines, including Adderall, to more than 100 patients, representing approximately 35% of his practice, despite restrictions and previous intervention by the Board. A 2019 inspection also identified deficiencies involving expired medications and incomplete patient records.
In January 2021, Check entered into a consent order agreeing to stop prescribing amphetamines through his New Jersey practice and/or to New Jersey residents. His New Jersey medical license otherwise remained unrestricted under the order.
Dr. Jerome Check’s Medical Licenses
Check has held medical licenses in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
As of November 2026, his Pennsylvania medical license was active, while his Delaware license was expired, with no disciplinary actions listed in either state’s records.
Cooper Norcross Health Responds
Following the November 2, 2026, announcement of the sexual assault charges, Cooper Norcross Health provided NBC10 Philadelphia with this statement: “‘Dr. Jerome Check is not employed by Cooper Norcross Health. After today’s announcement, all his affiliations at Cooper Norcross Health have been suspended effective immediately.’”
Whether the health system previously received any complaints concerning Check’s conduct is unknown.
Dr. Jerome Check’s Attorney Denies Sexual Assault Allegations
Check’s attorney, Robin Lord, disputed the allegations and evidence in the case, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In a statement to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Lord said, “‘Dr. Check is a well-respected expert in his field who has served this community for decades and has brought joy to families throughout the area. He is innocent and these charges are not even worthy of being dignified with a response.’”
Could Cooper Norcross Health or Other Institutions Face Civil Liability?
Survivors of sexual abuse by healthcare professionals may be able to pursue civil claims against doctors, hospitals, medical practices, or other institutions responsible for their safety.
A civil investigation could examine several questions, including:
- Patient referrals: Were patients referred to Check through Cooper?
- Patient safety: Were appropriate policies in place for intimate examinations, informed consent, and medical chaperones?
- Prior complaints: Did Check’s practice or affiliated institutions receive complaints or warning signs of inappropriate conduct, and if so, how did they respond?
Whether Check himself, Cooper Norcross Health, or another entity could face civil liability would depend on the specific facts and evidence uncovered through a civil investigation.
Andreozzi + Foote Is Investigating Allegations Involving Dr. Jerome Check
Patients receiving fertility treatment often undergo highly personal examinations and procedures and should be able to trust that healthcare professionals will respect their bodily autonomy and provide appropriate medical care.
Andreozzi + Foote represents survivors of sexual abuse nationwide, including individuals harmed by doctors and other healthcare professionals who abuse positions of medical trust.
Our attorneys investigate allegations of sexual abuse involving physicians, fertility clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare institutions, including whether these organizations may bear legal responsibility for failing to protect patients.
If you or someone you know experienced unwanted sexual contact involving Dr. Jerome Check, you may have civil legal rights.
Whether you are ready to take legal action or simply want to understand your options, our trauma-informed attorneys are here to listen and explain your options.
We encourage you to contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
Image sources: Left: Dr. Jerome Check, circa 1982, courtesy of The Morning Call, via Newspapers.com Logo: Cooper Institute for Reproductive Hormonal Disorders, via ccivf.com Dr. Jerome Check, bottom left, via cooperhealth.org. Dr. Jerome Check, bottom right, via Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.