Effingham Doctor Taken into Custody, Indicted by a Federal Grand Jury for Health Care Fraud and Drug Charges

An Effingham doctor, the operator of Kohli Neurology and Sleep Center, was taken into custody Wednesday and faces federal indictments.

In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, the U.S. Attorney's office in Fairview Heights arrested 59-year old Dr. Naeem Mahmood Kohli on a 15-count indictment.

Central to the investigation and indictment is the accusation that Kohli has been operating what officials termed a "Pill Mill", where prescription medication is illegally dispensed to those addicted, including Oxycodone, Hydromorphone, and Methadone, among others. The indictment indicates ten counts of illegal distribution of a controlled substance, charges that could land Kohli in prison for up to 20 years with a fine of one million dollars.

Also in the indictment are 3 counts that Kohli defrauded health care benefit programs, charges that carry with it a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. It's alleged that he billed Medicare and Medicaid programs as well as Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Illinois for services which were not performed on patients. 

The remaining 2 counts on the indictment charge Kohli with money laundering, which have a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

In May of 2013, federal officials executed a search warrant on Kohli's office as part of their ongoing investigation.

Kohli remains custody and hearing dates have not been announced.