CLEVELAND – Mohammed Ahmad, 38, of Avon, Ohio, has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a massive telemedicine scam that bilked Medicare out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Ahmad, a licensed physician since 2014, worked as a contractor for Florida-based Lifeline Recruiting Inc. The company allegedly purchased lists of Medicare beneficiaries and then used call centers to target individuals eligible for orthotic braces and other durable medical equipment (DME).
Instead of personally examining patients or conducting tests, Ahmad signed pre-completed orders authorizing treatment. This scheme, which spanned from November 2018 to May 2019, resulted in approximately $267,402 in false claims to Medicare, with about $126,643 actually paid.
Ahmad pleaded guilty on July 9, 2025, after being charged with making false statements related to health care matters. He faces up to five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. Sentencing is pending.
The investigation was led by the FBI Cleveland Division and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Chelsea S. Rice and Erica D. Barnhill prosecuted the case for the Northern District of Ohio.
This case is part of the Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, which involved more than $14.6 billion in intended loss across the country. The owner of Lifeline Recruiting, Alicia Hiller, pleaded guilty to related charges and will be sentenced on November 5, 2025.
To report health care fraud and abuse, call 1-800-HHS-TIPS (8477).
RELATED: PPE Lie: Edison Execs Plead Guilty to $10M Scam
RELATED: Wheeling Drug Kingpin Admits to Ohio Valley Operation
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News