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FMCSA Suspends, Pending Debarment, Pennsylvania Woman For Fraud Related To Drug-Testing Program

On January 3, 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a Notice of Suspension and Proposed Debarment to Joann Wingate following a DOT-OIG investigation that resulted in a 65-count indictment. Previously, in September 2016, a Federal grand jury in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, charged Wingate with wire fraud, false statements, and aggravated identity theft. The indictment alleged that Wingate continued to perform FMCSA-regulated medical exams for, and receive payment from, holders of commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) after the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania suspended her questionable chiropractic license in 2013. Wingate completed and submitted via fax medical examiner’s certificates that falsely indicated she was qualified to conduct the exams.
 
The indictment further alleged that Wingate falsified other medical examiner’s certificates by using the name, license number, and signature of an unsuspecting licensed doctor to indicate that the physician completed those exams. Wingate allegedly forged the doctor’s signature on those forms, faxed them to the relevant State Department of Motor Vehicles, and provided copies to CDL holders. The investigation determined that Wingate was not, at any time, a licensed or practicing medical physician.
 
FMCSA, Pennsylvania State Police, Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office, and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation provided substantial assistance with this investigation.