Two Massachusetts State Police troopers were suspended without pay on Wednesday after being indicted on federal charges for their alleged involvement in a conspiracy to falsify records and pass unqualified driver’s license applicants in exchange for bribes. Sergeant Gary Cederquist and Trooper Joel Rogers, both members of the Commercial Driver Licensing Unit, were among six individuals facing over 70 counts in connection with the scheme.
The allegations suggest that the officers administered shortened commercial driver’s license tests and passed applicants who did not earn a passing score, using a code word “golden” to identify those who received special treatment. The indictment also included two retired unit members, Calvin Butner and Perry Mendes.
The Massachusetts State Police initiated internal investigations after becoming aware of a federal probe into potential violations by members of the CDL unit in late 2022. The department implemented reforms to improve efficiency and accountability within the unit, providing records and information to federal prosecutors in response to subpoenas received.
Cederquist and Rogers appeared in Boston Federal Court, while Butner and Mendes were arrested in Florida and will appear in court at a later date. The State Police Office of Professional Integrity and Accountability continues to investigate the misconduct. The department’s statement emphasized the importance of upholding the law and maintaining the integrity of the licensing process.
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