Montgomery, Alabama – On Wednesday, June 13, 2018, Dr. Kenneth G. Edwards, 65, a resident of Columbus, Georgia and previously a practicing chiropractor in Phenix City, Alabama, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Louis Franklin. Dr. Edwards’s conviction resulted from his scheme to submit false documents to the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT).

            According to court records, the false documents Dr. Edwards submitted to the USDOT related to physical examinations that he supposedly performed on licensed truck drivers, or prospective truck drivers who were seeking a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The USDOT requires that all truck drivers undergo an initial physical examination before receiving a CDL, and that they have subsequent examinations every two years to maintain the license.

            During the plea hearing, Dr. Edwards admitted that, on occasions, he allowed his employees - none of whom were trained medical professionals - to conduct the USDOT - required physicals. Then, Dr. Edwards would submit documents to the USDOT falsely reporting that he had actually performed the physicals.

            A sentencing hearing has not yet been set. Dr. Edwards faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, along with substantial monetary penalties and restitution.

            This case was investigated by the United States Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General with assistance from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan S. Ross and Steven H. Lee are prosecuting the case.