Phenix City chiropractor faces conspiracy, wire fraud charges

PHENIX CITY, AL (WTVM) - A Phenix City chiropractor and two of his employees were arrested Tuesday after being indicted by a federal grand jury.

Dr. Kenneth G. Edwards, 64, of Columbus, Joann Bush, 58, and Andrea Daigle, 40, both from Smiths Station face charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Officials say Dr. Edwards and Bush are also charged with making false statements and falsification of federal records.

The indictment alleges that Dr. Edwards and his employees arranged a scheme to submit false documents related to the physical exams of truck drivers and future truck drivers that were conducted in his office.

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) requires all truck drivers to have an initial physical exam before receiving their commercial driver's license (CDL). Drivers must also have an exam every two years thereafter to keep their license.

According to the indictment, Dr. Edwards and his staff did not perform the physicals that were up to USDOT standards. They would then send forms to the USDOT that falsely certified the truck drivers had passed all of the USDOT physical exam requirements.

If convicted of the most serious charges, each defendant faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. They also face substantial monetary penalties and restitution.

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