Baker Donelson Secures Dismissal of All Claims Against Former and Current UVA Health Leaders in Federal RICO Lawsuit

In an October 21, 2026, memorandum opinion and order, the court dismissed the plaintiffs' Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) claims against Drs. Kent, Kibbe, Horton, and Tsung, holding that the plaintiffs failed to establish statutory standing and plead any RICO predicate acts.

The court also dismissed the RICO claims against two other former UVA physicians and the UVA Physicians Group, and all claims against the University of Virginia after determining that the university is immune from suit. Only two retaliation claims against UVA Physicians Group remain pending.

The court's ruling followed extensive briefing and jurisdictional discovery.

In a joint statement, Drs. Kent, Kibbe, and Horton said, "We are pleased by the court's decision and proud that our team led UVA Health - an organization with more than 18,000 employees and 1,200 physicians - over a period of many years, with integrity and proven success."

"We appreciate the court's careful consideration of the issues presented and the court's dismissal of all claims against our clients," said Sean B. O'Connell, managing shareholder of Baker Donelson's Washington, D.C., office. "This ruling represents a significant outcome for Drs. Kent, Kibbe, Horton, and Tsung," added John S. Ghose, special counsel in Baker Donelson's Atlanta, Georgia office.

The Baker Donelson team representing Drs. Kent, Kibbe, Horton, and Tsung was led by shareholder Sean B. O'Connell (Washington, D.C.), special counsel John S. Ghose (Atlanta, Georgia), and included associate Bethany R. Carroll (Atlanta, Georgia).