A Valley doctor who was involved in a kickback scheme with two other local doctors is seeking an early release from probation.

According to federal court records, Dr. Joni Canby of Poland (pictured above, center) is asking to be released from her term of probation on or after June 23 of 2024.

In June of 2023, Dr. Canby was sentenced to two years of probation, meaning she's currently scheduled to be released from probation on June 23, 2025. If this request is granted, Canby would be released a year early.

As part of the sentence, Dr. Canby was ordered to pay $67,816 in restitution. 

According to court records, documents say Dr. Canby may be eligible for an early termination of her probation once the restitution and fines are paid in full. Court documents state that Canby had completed these payments on December 31, 2023.

Dr. Canby, along with two other doctors were involved in a scheme where between 2014 and 2017, she and Dr. Michelle Kapon were paid a combined total of $31,520 by Dr. Samir Wahib for specimen samples from their patients for gonorrhea and chlamydia testing.

From there, Wahib would submit claims from the federal government for payment for the tests. The payments were disguised as "physician coverage" on checks from Wahib's business account.

When arguing in favor of her early release, Dr. Canby's attorneys say she has had no prior criminal history and her conduct during her probation period has been "exemplary" and that she presents no danger in reengaging in criminal behavior.

"Dr. Canby is now 66 years old, and, with the single exception of the instant offense, she has no criminal history. Further, Dr. Canby's conduct has been exemplary during the past year while on probation. All of these factors amply demonstrate that Dr. Canby presents no risk of engaging in criminal conduct in the future," the document reads.