Mount Laurel fertility specialist charged with sexually assaulting 3 patients

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. (WPVI) -- A longtime fertility specialist has been charged with sexually assaulting three patients, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office.

Prosecutors announced charges Monday against Dr. Jerome Check, 80, alleging he sexually assaulted three patients at his Mount Laurel office.

Authorities said the alleged assaults took place between December 2024 and March 2025 during appointments when Check was alone with patients in examination rooms. Investigators said two of the appointments were supposed to be consultations.

The allegations have left some patients shocked and struggling to reconcile the accusations with their own experiences under Check's care.

Beth Schrecengost of Pittsburgh credited Check with helping her start a family.

"I transferred two of them in January of 2025, and one of them stuck, and he's sitting right next to me," Schrecengost said.

Stephanie Mantovani of Broomall said learning of the charges was difficult.

"It's disappointing to hear this," Mantovani said through tears.

Other patients said they never experienced anything they considered inappropriate during examinations.

"It may be the same physical examination that these women are talking about. I found nothing wrong with it. In fact, I've had gynecology exams with female doctors be more invasive than this physical exam with Dr. Check," Schrecengost said.

Patients interviewed said they had seen Check at offices in both Mount Laurel and Elkins Park.

"For me he is my fertility guru. I've gone to other clinics, and Dr. Check, whatever he did for me, worked," said Jenny Gnida of Cinnaminson.

Check had been affiliated with Cooper but has since been suspended effective immediately.

For years, Check had been recognized as a "Best Doctor" and among "Top Docs for Women." In 2008, he spoke with Action News about fertility practices.

Despite the allegations, some former patients said they continue to support him and are concerned about what the charges mean for others who relied on his care.

"Tremendously positive. I trust him. I send so many people to him. I hope nothing happened. I sent countless women to him," Mantovani said.

The charges have also created uncertainty for current patients. One woman who was scheduled to see Check on Nov. 16 said she is now unsure what to do next. Patients said some women travel hours for appointments, including crossing state lines for treatment.

"What I say may not change anything, but like I said, I want to thank Dr. Check for making my dreams come true," Schrecengost said.

The practice declined to comment when contacted.

Investigators said they are concerned there may be additional victims.

Anyone who has information related to the case is asked 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 [email protected].