WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – A Michigan anesthesiologist, Joel Michael Adelsberg, 36, has pleaded guilty to a federal charge of distribution of child pornography, according to court documents.
Adelsberg, whose records show had been practicing medicine since March 2016, was affiliated with Anesthesia Associates of Ann Arbor, PLLC (A4), and Trinity Health - Ann Arbor Campus.
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Federal Indictment and Charges
In October of 2023, it’s alleged that Adelsberg used the social media application “Kik” and the internet and knew “that the child pornography he distributed included an image of an adult woman’s face posed next to the exposed genitals of an approximately 6- to 8-year-old girl.”
Court documents also revealed that Adelsberg’s primary cell phone also showed an image of the adult woman performing oral sex on the minor girl.
Federal investigators say in February of 2024, they also found Adelsberg in possession of “at least” 106 videos and 49 images of child pornography across four different cell phones.
The child pornography in Adelsberg’s collection included depictions of prepubescent minors under the age of 12, including toddlers, as well as “sadistic and/or masochistic conduct.”
On August 7, 2024, federal prosecutors filed a motion to seal the indictment and arrest warrant against Adelsberg, citing concerns that public disclosure could lead to flight risk, destruction of evidence, and witness intimidation.
The indictment charged Adelsberg with:
- Count One: Distribution of Child Pornography
- Count Two: Possession of Child Pornography - “involving prepubescent minors and children under 12 years old.”
Additionally, Adelsberg was forced to forfeit items allegedly used in the crimes, including five Samsung cell phones that prosecutors say contained illicit photos and videos.
Plea Agreement and Sentencing
Adelsberg signed a plea agreement on February 28, 2025, after the government offered it on December 12, 2024. Under the terms of the deal:
- He pleaded guilty to Count One (Distribution of Child Pornography).
- He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison.
- If the court accepts the plea deal, Count Two (Possession of Child Pornography) will be dismissed.
- He will serve five years of supervised release upon completing his prison sentence.
- He must register as a sex offender for at least 20 years, potentially for life.
- He agrees to pay restitution to identifiable victims.
Additionally, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act requires Adelsberg to pay a $5,000 special assessment, unless deemed indigent, among other fines.
Termination from employers
Adelsberg was known to work at Anesthesia Associates of Ann Arbor (A4) located at 2006 Hogback Rd in Ann Arbor and Trinity Health’s Ann Arbor Campus at 5301 E Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor.
He was also associated with McLaren Greater Lansing at 401 W Greenlawn Avenue, but a spokesperson with McLaren tells Local 4 that Adelsberg is not credentialed at McLaren Greater Lansing and is not a member of its medical staff.
“He only trained as a resident at the hospital, leaving after his graduation in July 2020,” they said.
Anesthesia Associates of Ann Arbor (A4) lists its partners on its website, and that includes Trinity Health, ProMedica, The Toledo Clinic, McLaren, Garden City Hospital, Chelsea Hospital (Trinity / UM Health), Huron Gastro and Forest Health Medical Center.
It’s unknown which facilities Adelsberg practiced out of and for how long.
The Anesthesia Associates of Ann Arbor released the following statement:
“Anesthesia Associates of Ann Arbor is committed to the highest ethical and professional standards. We were completely unaware of the proceedings against Dr. Joel Adelsberg, as he failed to disclose them per our policies. Because the indictment was under seal, we did not know about the investigation until it was unsealed. Upon learning of the plea deal, we conducted an internal review and immediately terminated his employment. Our top priority remains the safety and well-being of our patients and the trust they place in our care. We will continue to uphold the integrity of our medical practice and the standards expected of our physicians and staff.”
Trinity Health Michigan, where Adelsberg is associated, stated they first became aware of the plea deal on March 7, 2025, and that Adelsberg had failed to notify them as required by the court. His medical staff privileges were terminated on the same day, March 7, 2025.
Trinity Health released the following statement:
“We were shocked to learn of the indictment and the plea deal against this individual, who has never been an employee of our health system. We had no knowledge of the charges against him. We took immediate action to terminate his medical staff privileges and bar him from our facilities the same day we were made aware of this matter. The health and safety of our patients and colleagues are of the utmost importance to us.”
Sentencing
“The plea agreement requires that [Adelsberg] will have to register as a sex offender,” said Gina Balaya with the US Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Michigan. “Whether that requires he do it at the time of his plea or sentencing is unclear.”
On Monday, March 17, 2025, multiple searches for Joel Michael Adelsberg on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry and the National Sex Offender Registry came up empty.
Balaya said she could not comment further as this case is considered pending while Adelsberg awaits sentencing, which is scheduled for June 25.
