Justin D. Whatcott Acting United States Attorney for the District of Idaho | Department of Justice
Ryan Basnaw, 29, of Meridian, pleaded guilty to federal program bribery, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced on Mar. 30.
Basnaw admitted to offering a $500 cash bribe to a commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills tester in Idaho in exchange for a passing score without taking the required test. The incident took place on July 2, 2025. Prosecutors said Basnaw sought to have three restrictions removed from his CDL by bypassing the mandatory skills examination process.
According to court records, the Idaho Transportation Department contracts with third-party examiners for CDL testing as part of its licensing process. In 2025, the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles received more than $10,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation under a CDL Program Implementation Grant.
Basnaw is scheduled for sentencing on June 16 and faces up to ten years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and fines up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Davis said he commended "the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Transportation—Office of Inspector General," which led to the charge against Basnaw. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Mazorol prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho operates under federal authority and is responsible for prosecutions and civil matters across Idaho according to its official website. The office employs about 60 staff members including attorneys and administrative personnel according to its official website, with jurisdiction covering both major cities and rural areas throughout the state according to its official website. Joshua D. Hurwit has served as U.S. Attorney for this district according to its official website.
The broader implications highlight ongoing efforts by federal authorities in Idaho to enforce laws related to public integrity and transportation safety.
