Thousands of medical records containing social security numbers and private health data were discovered by a hobbyist who purchased a delinquent storage unit at auction in Memphis. The files belonged to a former dentist whose license expired in 2023, prompting a police investigation into the massive breach of sensitive patient information.
A hobbyist named Jason Lederfine recently purchased a storage unit at auction after the previous owner failed to pay rent for three consecutive months. Upon opening the unit, Lederfine discovered more than just the expected abandoned goods; he found a wheelchair and a massive collection of boxes. When he inspected the contents, he realized the boxes were filled with thousands of folders containing sensitive medical documents, x-rays, and patient intake forms.
The records originated from the practice of Dr. Ajay Dave, a dentist who formerly operated in Memphis but whose professional license expired in 2023. The files contained a wealth of highly confidential data, including full names, detailed billing information, and social security numbers. Lederfine expressed shock at the sheer volume of the records and the lack of security measures taken to protect the private identities of thousands of former patients.
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After discovering the magnitude of the find, Lederfine reached out to the state licensing office for guidance. He was subsequently referred to the Memphis Police Department to report the incident. Law enforcement officials confirmed the details regarding the unpaid rent and the subsequent auction process that led to the discovery. As a result of the ongoing investigation, police have officially locked the storage unit to secure the records and prevent further unauthorized access.
Local news reporters followed up on the discovery by visiting the last known professional address associated with the dentist on Park Avenue. Staff at the location confirmed that the dentist had practiced there in the past, but the office is now occupied by an optometry practice. The current tenants could provide no further information regarding the whereabouts of the previous practitioner or the abandoned files.
Attempts to reach the former dentist for a statement were unsuccessful. When a reporter contacted the dentist’s residence by telephone, his wife ended the call immediately after being questioned about the abandoned records in the storage unit. The police investigation remains active as authorities determine how so much sensitive information was left unsecured in a public storage facility.
Source: Thousands Of Medical Records Discovered In Auctioned Storage Unit