Four Massachusetts State Police troopers, including a sergeant, have been charged in a scandal where they allegedly accepted bribes such as a snow blower, a plunge pool, and coffee to allow people to pass their driver’s license test. The troopers are accused of giving special treatment to at least 17 commercial driver’s license candidates between May 2019 and January 2023 in exchange for non-cash bribes. They are facing numerous charges including conspiracy, extortion, and falsifying records.
Sergeant Gary Cederquist, Trooper Joel Rogers, and two retired troopers were arrested in connection with the scandal. The charged individuals pleaded not guilty and were released on bond. The troopers allegedly joked in text messages about the poor performance of some drivers but still passed them on the test.
Cederquist was accused of accepting expensive gifts like a new driveway, a snow blower, and a granite mailbox in exchange for passing drivers. He also allegedly helped four state troopers get commercial driver’s licenses. Prosecutors obtained text messages where the troopers referred to special applicants as “golden” and discussed the bribes they received.
The troopers also allegedly passed water company employees in exchange for cases of bottled water and coffee products delivered to a test site. Cederquist was also accused of accepting bribes from others, including a granite post and mailbox, as well as a new driveway. Federal prosecutors have reported all unqualified CDL recipients to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
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