Dr. Neil Sharma, 36, of Lemont, has been hit with a severe charge in the gritty world of healthcare corruption. The Suburban Chicago physician pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Kapala to federal bribery charges concerning health care programs that receive federal funding.
This licensed Illinois doctor, who has been practicing medicine since 2011, was the Medical Director of a managed care services company from 2013 to 2015. It’s a role that allowed him access to Medicare and Medicaid contracts, but his career took a dark turn when he corruptly solicited and accepted cash payments totaling $10,000 from an individual in return for sending more patients to that person’s company.
According to the plea agreement, Sharma promised additional business worth millions to the competing firm. His actions were not only illegal but also unethical, using his position to line his own pockets at the expense of those who relied on him for healthcare.
The severity of his crime is underscored by the potential sentence he now faces: ten years’ imprisonment, followed by up to three years of supervised release. A fine of $250,000 also looms over him. His sentencing hearing is set for May 11, 2017, at 9:30 a.m., before Judge Kapala in Rockford.
The case has been made public by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Michael J. Anderson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott R. Paccagnini and Joseph C. Pedersen are representing the government in this case.
Dr. Sharma’s actions have not only tarnished his own reputation but also cast a shadow over the healthcare system that depends on integrity and transparency. The justice system will now determine the appropriate punishment for his betrayal of trust.
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Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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