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2,000 truckers potentially affected by alleged med cert fraud

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Potentially more than 2,000 truckers will have to renew their medical card within 30 days after the indictment of an Alabama-based medical examiner accused of issuing false medical cards. Affected drivers will be notified via mail by the U.S. DOT, who said Thursday it is revoking all med cards issued by Edwards in the past two years. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration spokesperson Duane DeBruyne says upwards of 2,000 drivers could have their cards revoked.

FMCSA announced the arrest of Dr. Kenneth Edwards, of Phenix City, Alabama, in February. He’s been charged with counts of conspiracy, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, making false statements and falsification of federal records. The agency says an investigation revealed that Edwards “exhibited a pattern whereby examinations were incomplete, required tests were not performed, and information on medical examination forms was falsified.”

Edwards was removed from the agency’s National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners on Dec. 5, FMCSA says.

Two of his employees, Joann Bush and Andrea Daigle, were also arrested, FMCSA said in February. If convicted, Edwards could face up to 20 years in prison and be ordered to pay fines and restitution.