Tupelo neurologist gets 12-year federal sentence

GREENVILLE, Miss. — A former Tupelo neurologist and Pakistani national has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison after admitting to downloading and distributing thousands of child sexual abuse materials.

Ali Ahmad, 38, pleaded guilty to using online applications to obtain and share images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, according to federal court documents. Ahmad previously worked as a neurologist at North Mississippi Medical Center.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children flagged Ahmad as a perpetrator on at least one online platform, prompting an investigation by the Lee County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies secured warrants for his online profile and residence, where investigators found extensive child pornography along with “selfie‑style” images of Ahmad in sexual poses.

Chief U.S. District Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Ahmad to 144 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $112,000 in restitution — $4,000 to each identified minor victim who requested compensation and provided documentation.

Ahmad’s work visa has been revoked, and he will be deported after completing his federal sentence. His state charges remain pending.

U.S. Attorney Scott F. Leary condemned the crimes as “evil,” praising the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and federal Project Safe Childhood prosecutors for their work.

“Good men and women stepped forward in this case and confronted the evil of child pornography,” Leary said.

Lee County Sheriff Jim H. Johnson said his agency remains committed to protecting vulnerable residents and thanked state and federal partners for their collaboration.

“We hope this case stands as a clear message to the public: the exploitation of children will not be tolerated in Lee County,” Johnson said.