Former Massachusetts State Police Sergeant Convicted in CDL Bribery Scheme
Boston, MA – A former Massachusetts State Police sergeant, Gary Cederquist, was found guilty on multiple charges related to a bribery scheme that involved falsifying commercial driver’s license (CDL) tests. In federal court, Cederquist, who is from Stoughton, was convicted on 48 counts, including extortion, conspiracy, and mail fraud. He was acquitted on nine counts, including some related to extortion.
U.S. Attorney Leah Foley condemned Cederquist’s actions, highlighting that he prioritized greed over his duty to protect the community. "His scheme to issue licenses to unqualified applicants jeopardized public safety on Massachusetts roads," Foley stated.
Cederquist was one of six individuals charged in the case, and notably the only one to stand trial; the others opted to accept responsibility. He was responsible for overseeing a unit that provided passing scores to CDL applicants, even if they had failed the essential skills tests. Communication of these fraudulent test results was made through coded messages, including the term "golden."
Among the bribes accepted by Cederquist were a $10,000 driveway, a $2,000 snowblower, and a $750 granite mailbox. Underlining the seriousness of the charges, many carry potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison. Cederquist is set to be sentenced on July 24.
Following this scandal, the Massachusetts State Police honorably discharged Cederquist last year and have suspended two additional troopers without pay as federal investigations continue into alleged bribery within the department. This case starkly contrasts with the integrity displayed by the majority of officers committed to serving the public.
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