Former Chicago Medical Clinic Owner Sentenced for Opioid Prescription Sales Scheme
CHICAGO — In a shocking case of medical malfeasance, Mohammed Shariff, the former owner of Midtown Medical Center in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, has been sentenced to 75 months in federal prison for selling opioid prescriptions to patients without a legitimate medical need.
According to court documents, Shariff conspired with a physician, Dr. Theodore Galvani, to sell oxycodone, hydrocodone, and other medications to patients whom they knew lacked a medical reason for taking the drugs. The scheme, which ran from February 2012 to March 2013, resulted in Shariff and Dr. Galvani receiving at least $584,188 in improper prescription payments.
Shariff, 68, of Lincolnwood, pleaded guilty last year to one count of conspiracy to knowingly dispense controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose.
U.S. District Judge Harry D. Leinenweber imposed the 75-month sentence in federal court in Chicago on February 22, 2023. Dr. Galvani, of Spring Grove, previously pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charges and is awaiting sentencing.
Shariff’s sentence was announced by law enforcement officials, who highlighted the significance of federal law enforcement and prosecutors working together to investigate and hold accountable medical professionals who exploit their power and prey on vulnerable individuals.
The case underscores the critical need for effective oversight and regulation of the medical industry to prevent such egregious abuses of power and protect the health and safety of patients.
Mandatory Facts:
Defendant/Respondent: Mohammed Shariff
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to knowingly dispense controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose
City and State: Chicago, Illinois
Exact Date: February 22, 2023
Sentence or Outcome: 75 months in federal prison
Dollar Amounts: At least $584,188 in improper prescription payments
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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