May 6, 2025 | JacobiJournal.com – CDL testing fraud has come under sharp scrutiny following the conviction of former Massachusetts State Trooper Gary Cederquist, who was found guilty on nearly 50 counts related to bribery and falsifying commercial driver’s license exam results. The case has exposed significant vulnerabilities in the state’s licensing system and raised serious concerns about public safety and regulatory oversight.
Bribes Exchanged for Fake Passing Scores
Ex-State Trooper Cederquist, 59, of Stoughton, accepted illicit payments including a new snowblower and driveway paving in return for issuing fake passing scores to unqualified CDL applicants. Instead of upholding testing standards, he passed at least 17 drivers who had failed their tests — actions that endangered public safety.
The conspiracy took place between May 2019 and January 2023, according to federal prosecutors. Cederquist and other troopers used coded text messages, often saying the applicant was “golden,” to signal they had falsely passed someone. In one case, a trooper joked about how poorly a driver performed, but passed them anyway.
Prosecutors Condemn Violation of Duty
“Cederquist chose bribery and extortion over his oath to protect the community,” said U.S. Attorney Leah Foley. “His actions placed unqualified drivers behind the wheels of heavy vehicles, threatening everyone on the road.”
The jury convicted him of conspiracy to commit extortion, honest services mail fraud, and extortion, among other charges. Four co-defendants, including two civilians and two troopers, have already pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
Broader Pattern of Corruption
This is not an isolated incident. In recent years, the Massachusetts State Police has dealt with multiple scandals. For instance, 46 troopers from Troop E, which patrolled the Massachusetts Turnpike, were caught falsifying overtime records between 2015 and 2017. They submitted fake traffic citations to justify pay for shifts they didn’t work.
Deadly Consequences and Systemic Failures
The CDL testing scandal follows a tragic 2019 crash in New Hampshire, where commercial truck driver Volodymyr Zhukovskyy killed seven motorcyclists. At the time, he should have lost his CDL due to a DUI arrest in Connecticut. Although Connecticut officials notified Massachusetts, the license was never suspended due to a backlog in processing such alerts.
State Implements Reforms
In response to these issues, Massachusetts officials have implemented several reforms:
- Mandated body cameras during CDL exams
- Increased supervisor oversight through unannounced visits
- Updated training protocols and examiner curriculum
These reforms aim to restore integrity in a system where, in 2022, only 41% of CDL applicants passed — a statistic that underscores the importance of honest testing.
FAQs: CDL Testing Fraud Conviction
What is CDL testing fraud and why is it dangerous?
CDL testing fraud occurs when unqualified drivers are illegally granted commercial driver’s licenses. This endangers public safety by putting inadequately trained drivers behind the wheel of heavy vehicles on public roads.
How was the ex-state trooper involved in CDL testing fraud?
The ex-state trooper accepted bribes like cash and goods in exchange for falsifying CDL test scores. He passed drivers who had failed their exams, using coded messages to coordinate the fraud.
What reforms have been introduced after the CDL testing fraud case?
Following the conviction, Massachusetts implemented reforms such as mandatory body cameras during exams, surprise supervisor visits, and stricter training protocols to prevent future CDL testing fraud.
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