Ex-state trooper gets 3 months in prison for role in scheme to falsify commercial drivers license scores

Calvin Butner, a former Massachusetts state trooper, was sentenced to three months in prison for participating in a bribery scheme that involved falsifying commercial driving test scores. In addition to his prison time, he must serve one year of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy and making false statements. Butner and three fellow troopers allegedly provided preferential treatment to at least 17 drivers between May 2019 and January 2023, including passing scores for those who failed the tests. They used the code word “golden” in their communications to refer to their illicit actions. Mendes, another ex-trooper involved, received a month-long prison sentence, while Gary Cederquist was convicted on multiple counts and Joel Rogers received a deferred prosecution agreement.

The scandal raises significant concerns about accountability and trust in law enforcement. Furthermore, it underscores the need for stricter oversight in the licensing process for commercial drivers. This case illustrates the broader implications of corruption within policing agencies and their impact on public safety.