Doctor Arrested Friday in FBI Sting After Meeting in Darien

Federal authorities arrested a Lemont doctor Friday, accusing him of scheming to accept kickbacks for patient referrals.

Neil Sharma, 34, a medical director for a company that contracts with Medicare and Illinois Medicaid, was arrested in a federal sting operation after he collected an illegal $2,500 kickback for his patient referral scheme, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney.

He could face five years in prison.

On Feb. 13, Sharma met in Darien with the owner of a company that provides benefits to Medicare and Medicaid patients. At the meeting, according to federal prosecutors, Sharma proposed that he refer patients in exchange for monthly cash payments and a title of medical director of the other man’s company.

That man, however, went to the FBI. On Feb. 27, under the watchful eyes of federal agents, that man paid Sharma $2,500, according to the U.S. Attorney. Sharma was arrested Friday morning and charged with receiving illegal remunerations. In addition to prison time, he could be fined $25,000 and be compelled to pay restitution.

Sharma was Vice President of Medical Affairs / Chief Medical Director at IlliniCare in Westmont. Previously, Sharma had a private practice in geriatric medicine in the southwest suburbs of Chicago.