A recent scandal involving a CDL bribery scheme has rocked the Massachusetts State Police, resulting in the dishonorable discharge of Trooper Joel Rogers, who retired effective Tuesday. Rogers was one of two members of the MSP Commercial Driver Licensing Unit charged in the conspiracy, along with Sgt. Gary Cederquist who was also dishonorably discharged upon retirement. Two retired troopers and two civilians were also charged in the federal indictment. The six men face charges of extortion, fraud, conspiracy, and falsification of records related to selling CDLs in exchange for bribes. The scheme involved passing unqualified applicants in exchange for personal benefits, such as a new driveway and snow blower. The Registry of Motor Vehicles confirmed identifying more than two dozen drivers who did not pass the tests properly, and their licenses have been downgraded. The state police have implemented reforms in the CDL unit to ensure more accountability and are conducting an internal investigation. The scandal highlights the need for stricter regulations in CDL testing and the importance of maintaining integrity within law enforcement agencies. Applicants for CDLs in Massachusetts must be 18 years old, but federal regulations require license holders to be 21 to drive commercial vehicles in interstate commerce. Commercial vehicles are divided into three classes, each requiring a different CDL.
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