Federal charges dismissed against Elk Grove neurologist

Dr. Firdos Shiekh speaking at an August protest at 
Elk Grove Unified School District offices. | 

Federal charges against an Elk Grove neurologist have been dropped according to information released by the physician's attorney.

On Friday, October 9, an indictment against Dr. Firdos Sheikh was dismissed. That indictment dates from 2018 when was charged with forced labor. 


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Recently, a motion to dismiss the case was filed by Sheikh's attorney Yasin M. Almadani arguing that the government’s two-year failure to disclose exculpatory material supporting innocence delayed the case significantly, pushing it into the COVID-19 pandemic and depriving her of constitutional and statutory rights to a speedy trial. The ruling noted, “given the evidence presented in previous motions, the court can well understand the basis for defendant’s righteous frustration over not being able to have her case heard and decided when it could have.”

“The Court thoughtfully weighed the interest of Dr. Sheikh and the public and came to the only fair conclusion," Almadani said. "It is more important now than ever for prosecutors to set priorities, examine evidence carefully, and pursue only righteous cases. In this case, the Court found that the government had not disclosed exculpatory evidence showing significant weaknesses in its case."

Recently Sheikh has become active in protests against Elk Grove mayoral Bobbie Singh-Allen. Shiekh, a critic of Singh-Allen, was one of the speakers at a protest staged at Elk Grove Unified School District on August 30. 

Reached via social media, Sheikh did not say when she might resume her medical practice, although she said patients are anxious for her return. Sheikh said in the near term she plans to visit Mecca.

"I am so grateful for God's mercy and very thankful for the judge's decision," Sheikh said. "It has been a seven-year ordeal. I am humbled by those who stood by me during these trying times and believed in my integrity." 

The dismissal document can be viewed below. 









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