Six individuals, including two current and two former Massachusetts State Police troopers, have been charged in a bribery scheme that involved offering bribes such as a new snowblower and driveway in exchange for passing scores on commercial driving tests. The troopers are accused of falsifying records and giving favorable treatment to drivers taking their commercial driver’s license tests. The troopers allegedly accepted bribes in various forms, including landscape work and cases of bottled water, to ensure the drivers passed their tests, even if they failed.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy described the scheme as the sale of commercial driver’s licenses, with drivers able to pass their tests regardless of their performance in exchange for goods or services. The indictment includes more than 70 counts against the defendants, who face charges including conspiracy to falsify records, extortion, and making false statements. The two current troopers involved in the scheme have been suspended without pay.
The allegations come amid previous scandals involving the Massachusetts State Police, including a scheme where troopers collected overtime pay for shifts they did not work and concerns about commercial driver’s license integrity following a deadly crash involving a driver with a revoked license. State police have implemented reforms to improve the licensing system, such as requiring body cameras during exams and increased oversight by supervisors.
Officials have emphasized that the misconduct of the accused individuals does not reflect the values of the majority of state troopers who serve with integrity. The case highlights the importance of ensuring the integrity of law enforcement and licensing systems, with ongoing efforts to address misconduct and uphold public trust in the Massachusetts State Police.
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