In a recent scandal involving Massachusetts State Police troopers allegedly taking bribes in exchange for passing test scores, the Registry of Motor Vehicles has downgraded the licenses of more than two dozen commercial drivers. The RMV identified 26 drivers who did not pass their tests properly and changed their licenses to Class D passenger licenses. These drivers will need to retake and pass all required permit and skills tests to regain their commercial licenses. The RMV emphasized its commitment to public safety on the roads and stated that it would take appropriate action against any individuals identified as operating commercial vehicles improperly.
The scandal involved six individuals, including two current and two former troopers who were charged with receiving bribes, such as a new snowblower and driveway, to falsify records and provide preferential treatment to at least 17 individuals taking their commercial drivers license tests. Text messages with the code word “golden” were used to communicate passing scores when drivers failed skills tests. Four individuals, including Sgt. Gary Cederquist and Trooper Joel Rogers, were arrested and face multiple charges, including conspiracy to falsify records, extortion, and making false statements.
In addition to the troopers, Eric Mathison and Scott Camara were implicated in the scheme. Cederquist allegedly conspired with Mathison, who worked for a spring water company, to provide passing scores to drivers needing commercial licenses, and with Camara, who worked for a truck driving school, to help four state troopers obtain their commercial licenses. Phone numbers for the individuals charged could not be found, and their lawyers did not respond to requests for comment.
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