Former Massachusetts State Police Sergeant Convicted in CDL Bribery Scheme

News Summary

Gary Cederquist, a former sergeant with the Massachusetts State Police, was convicted of multiple charges related to a bribery scheme affecting commercial driver’s license testing. Found guilty on 48 counts, including extortion and mail fraud, he was accused of allowing unqualified applicants to obtain licenses, compromising public safety. The case has raised concerns over the integrity of CDL testing in Massachusetts, leading to reforms aimed at improving oversight. Cederquist’s sentencing is scheduled for July 24, with potential 20-year prison terms for some counts.

Boston, Massachusetts — Gary Cederquist, a former sergeant with the Massachusetts State Police, was found guilty in federal court on multiple charges linked to a bribery scheme that compromised the integrity of commercial driver’s license (CDL) testing. Cederquist, the sole defendant among six charged individuals to go to trial, was convicted on 48 counts including extortion, conspiracy to commit extortion, mail fraud, and falsifying records.

Faced with the repercussions of his actions, Cederquist was acquitted on nine counts, including two extortion charges and one conspiracy charge. U.S. Attorney Leah Foley stated that Cederquist’s actions not only undermined the public’s trust but also endangered public safety, directly violating his oath as a law enforcement officer.

Evidence presented in court revealed that Cederquist allowed applicants to receive commercial driver’s licenses without performing legitimate skills tests. During his tenure, he was responsible for the CDL Unit and facilitated the issuance of licenses to at least three dozen individuals, who were granted passing scores irrespective of their actual test performance. The system was manipulated using a coded term, “golden,” to communicate successful outcomes to those who failed the tests.

The financial incentives driving the bribery scheme were substantial. Cederquist accepted materials worth over $10,000 for personal use, including a driveway installation, a snowblower priced nearly at $2,000, and a granite mailbox valued at $750. Furthermore, he was implicated in assisting four state troopers in obtaining CDLs under similar fraudulent conditions.

The implications of Cederquist’s actions extend beyond individual misconduct. In 2022, the pass rate for CDL applicants in Massachusetts was alarmingly low at only 41%. This has raised significant concerns regarding the state’s licensing integrity, particularly in light of past incidents, including a tragic crash involving a commercial driver that highlighted existing deficiencies in the testing system.

Cederquist was dismissed from the Massachusetts State Police in 2022, following the unearthing of the bribery scheme. His sentencing is set for July 24, with some of his convictions carrying potential prison sentences of up to 20 years.

In response to the scandal and the fallout from Cederquist’s case, the Massachusetts State Police have initiated reforms aimed at bolstering the oversight and accountability of the CDL testing process. New measures now include requiring body cameras to be utilized during examinations, a significant step towards ensuring transparency and maintaining the reliability of licensing procedures.

The case against Cederquist serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity within law enforcement and public safety sectors. As the Massachusetts State Police strive to regain public trust, the outcome of the sentencing will be closely monitored by both the community and officials concerned with the safety of drivers on the road.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• NBC Boston
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• Encyclopedia Britannica: Corruption