Ali Ahmad, a former neurologist in Tupelo, Mississippi, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography, according to court records. Senior Circuit Court Judge Paul S. Funderburk imposed the sentence on March 24, 2026. Ahmad will not be eligible for parole and must serve the sentence day for day, due to the severity of the offense.
In addition to the state charge, Ahmad was sentenced on Feb. 11, 2026, in federal court in the Northern District of Mississippi for distribution of child pornography. Chief Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced him to 144 months in prison, five years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay $96,100 in restitution to victims. The state and federal sentences will run concurrently.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi said Ahmad’s work visa has been revoked, and he will be deported after completing his prison term. Authorities credited the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Detective Rachel Clock for their investigation, with assistance from Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch’s office and the Department of Homeland Security.
Assistant District Attorney Josh Wise prosecuted the case on behalf of the state. Jason D. Herring, district attorney for the First Circuit Court District, announced the sentencing.
