A man who acted as a Medical Review Officer on DOT-regulated drug tests without being a licensed physician has been sentenced to 22 months in federal prison, plus payment of restitution and community service.


Michael R. Bennett of Workplace Compliance Inc. of Texas and North Carolina, pleaded guilty earlier this year to wire fraud and to making false statements in a matter within the jurisdiction of a federal agency.

On August 30, Bennett was sentenced to 22 months in federal prison. Additionally, he was directed to make restitution to the government and victims in the amount of $209,030. 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 and was ordered to 36 months probation.

During sentencing, the District Court Judge emphasized that 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.