News Summary
Eric Mathison, a 48-year-old from Boston, has pleaded guilty in a bribery scheme related to commercial driver’s licenses. This case implicates several individuals, including a former State Trooper, highlighting a culture of corruption within the CDL testing process. Mathison faces up to 20 years in prison as the investigation exposes unethical practices that allowed unqualified candidates to obtain their licenses.
Boston Man Pleads Guilty in CDL Bribery Scheme with Former State Trooper
In a surprising turn of events in the bustling city of Boston, a 48-year-old man named Eric Mathison has admitted his guilt in a hefty bribery scheme involving commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). On March 21, Mathison stepped up to the plate and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion, setting the stage for what has become a rather complicated saga.
How It All Came Together
Mathison was officially charged back in January 2024 as part of a broad 74-count indictment that implicated six individuals, most notably former Massachusetts State Police Sergeant Gary Cederquist. It seems that the duo was caught in a web of deceit where they are accused of handing out false passing scores to CDL applicants. This was done, of course, in exchange for some rather eyebrow-raising bribes.
You might wonder how low this scheme went. Picture this: applicants who had either failed their exams or only managed to scrape through part of the skills tests were granted passing scores, all because of the special arrangement between Mathison and Cederquist. Talk about a serious lapse in integrity!
A Closer Look at the Schemes
Mathison, who was then employed by a water company that required drivers to have CDs, played a pivotal role in this operation. His connection with Cederquist was key as the latter was the one overseeing the CDL Unit within the Massachusetts State Police. It’s reported that Cederquist had a hand in providing that sought-after passing score to applicants who, in all fairness, should not have qualified.
Now here’s the kicker: instead of traditional bribes, Cederquist was fond of receiving *free products* from Mathison’s water company. We’re talking about some fancy items here, like bottled Fiji water, Arizona Iced Teas, and a good ol’ selection of coffee and tea. It seems Cederquist had a craving for the finer things while indulging in ethically-ambiguous activities.
Regular communication took place between Mathison and Cederquist, revolving around several CDL applicants. They were often discussing applicants’ test performances, along with specific inventory requests that Cederquist had. For instance, imagine Mathison getting messages confirming that a certain applicant, who was deemed incompetent, still wound up with a passing score solely due to this arrangement.
But on top of that, there were requests for *premium bottled water, energy drinks, and large quantities of other products,* implying that the bribery extended far beyond just a simple transaction.
What’s Next for Mathison and Others?
As it stands, Mathison’s plea to conspiracy to commit extortion could potentially land him in prison for a long time, with a maximum sentence of up to 20 years looming over his head. He may also face three years of supervised release and a hefty fine, up to $250,000. And this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the depth of this complicated case.
The investigation has unveiled five years’ worth of unethical practices that resulted in approximately two dozen unqualified individuals receiving their CDLs through this scheme. This particularly troubling scenario airs a concerning dirty laundry involving current and former state troopers, which includes not just Mathison and Cederquist but also several others who have been charged. Among these are two current troopers, including a sergeant, as well as two civilians and two retired troopers who were arrested in sunny Florida.
The Massachusetts State Police have voiced their outrage over this scandal, asserting that these actions are completely against the department’s values and integrity. Moreover, to prevent further irregularities, all identified unqualified CDL recipients have already been referred to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Looking Forward
As this scandal unfolds, the Massachusetts State Police are putting measures in place to oversee changes in the CDL testing process. Investigations are still ongoing, and it’s likely that more information will come to light. However, for now, it’s safe to say that Boston is experiencing quite the legal storm!
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Additional Resources
- MassLive: Boston Man Pleads Guilty in CDL Bribery Scheme
- Boston 25 News: State Police Troopers Charged in CDL Bribery
- NBC Boston: Six Arrested in Bribery Conspiracy Scheme
- CBS News: Massachusetts Troopers Charged in Bribery Scheme
- Wikipedia: Bribery
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
