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Press Release

Medical Doctor Found Guilty Of Conspiracy

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Georgia

DUBLIN DIVISION, GA: On Wednesday, June 6, 2018, following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Dudley H. Bowen, a federal jury convicted Eastman resident Dr. Mark Griffis, age 61, of conspiring to falsify documents pertaining to Department of Transportation mandated medical examinations of holders of commercial driver’s licenses.

According to the evidence presented at trial, Griffis agreed with Jo Carol White to falsely certify medical examination forms without actually examining the driver. (On March 21, 2018, White was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment for her role in the scheme.) Griffis received $50 from White for every false certification. Between February 27, 2012 and September 13, 2013, Griffis falsely certified 271 bogus medical examinations. This allowed these drivers to renew their commercial driver licenses without undergoing the appropriate medical exams to assure their fitness to drive.

United States Attorney Bobby L. Christine stated, “Our nation’s highways are essential to our way of life and standard of living. Like it or not, we share these highways with large and sometimes intimidating commercial vehicles that deliver goods that are essential to our economy. There is a risk inherent in the operation of these very large vehicles and the potential for personal injury and property damage is real. No one wants this risk compounded by undetected medical issues affecting the drivers of these vehicles. The defendant’s actions in this case seriously undermined regulations designed to promote highway safety and placed the public at risk.”

Marlies T. Gonzalez, Regional Special Agent-In-Charge, United States Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG) added, “The successful prosecution of Dr. Mark Griffis demonstrates our commitment to ensuring safety on our nation’s roadways. Working with our federal, state and local law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, we will continue our vigorous efforts to prevent and root out fraud schemes which adversely affect the public trust and safety throughout the State of Georgia and elsewhere.”

DOT-OIG Special Agent Sara Oliver led the investigation of Griffis. She was assisted by investigators of the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Georgia Department of Driver Services also provided assistance.

Assistant United States Attorney Karl Knoche prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For additional information, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.

 

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Updated June 15, 2018