A former trooper with the Massachusetts State Police has admitted responsibility in a case involving conspiracy to falsify Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) test scores. Perry Mendes, aged 64 from Wareham, entered a guilty plea on April 11, to conspiracy and multiple counts of record falsification and making false statements. A federal judge, Indira Talwani, has scheduled Mendes's sentencing for July 15, 2025.
Mendes’s involvement in the scheme was part of a broader indictment filed in January 2024 that included five co-defendants. The accused were said to have manipulated the results of the CDL skills tests, which are mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and managed by the Massachusetts State Police CDL Unit.
Mendes and others allegedly passed at least 17 CDL applicants by using a code known as the “golden handshake,” which allowed applicants to receive a passing score regardless of their actual performance. Mendes acknowledged shortening tests for such applicants and falsely entering data indicating that they had successfully completed the tests, even when no tests had been taken.
The investigation also led to the guilty pleas of other figures involved in the alleged offenses. Former Trooper Calvin Butner admitted guilt on April 7, and civilian Eric Mathison pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion on March 21.
The charge of conspiracy to commit extortion carries potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison, a possible fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Sentencing decisions will be determined based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and criminal statutes.
The news of the guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley, along with Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Michael J. Krol, and U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General Special Agent Christopher A. Scharf. The prosecution is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine J. Wichers and Adam W. Deitch.
It is important to note that while these charges are serious, the remaining defendants in the case maintain a presumption of innocence until proven otherwise in court.
