Fraudulent medical review officer sentenced

Michael R. Bennett of Workplace Compliance Inc., of Texas and North Carolina was sentenced on Aug. 30 to 22 months in federal prison for fraudulently acting as a medical review officer on U.S. Department of Transportation-regulated drug tests without being a licensed physician.

Additionally, Bennett was directed by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina to make $209,030 restitution to the government and victims. Upon his release from prison, Bennett will be subject to three years supervised release, 100 hours of community service and a $400 special assessment.

Bennett’s company, which also pled guilty to wire fraud, was ordered to pay a special assessment of $1,200. Also, the company was ordered to 36 months probation.

During sentencing, the District Court judge said Bennett’s actions had placed the public in serious harm and had violated the integrity and protections afforded by the DOT’s drug testing program.

On Feb. 18, Bennett pled guilty to wire fraud and making false statements.