Investigations

On December 1, 2016, Dr. Anthony Lefteris, a DOT designated medical examiner in Atlanta, Georgia, was arrested and charged with allegedly falsifying medical examinations for people seeking commercial driver’s licenses (CDL).

 

The investigation began after DOT-OIG received allegations from Georgia State officials that Lefteris had not complied with DOT’s medical examination protocols for CDL applications and renewals. To ensure the safety of America’s roadways, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations require drivers engaged in interstate commerce to be physically able to safely operate a commercial vehicle. Only medical examiners registered with FMCSA can perform medical exams and issue DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificates to people seeking to possess State-issued CDLs.

 

In September 2016, DOT-OIG conducted an operation with three undercover agents, who made multiple contacts with Lefteris, posing as drivers in need of DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificates. In exchange for cash payments, the undercover agents allegedly obtained documents from Lefteris indicating that proper medical examinations had been conducted, when in fact they had not. Lefteris then made false statements regarding the completion of the medical examinations and entered false documents and information into the DOT driver records system.

 

DOT-OIG is conducting this investigation jointly with the Georgia Department of Public Safety, Motor Carrier Compliance Division.

 

Note: Indictments, informations, and criminal complaints are only accusations by the Government. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.