NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – A brazen scheme to bypass federal safety regulations and put unqualified drivers behind the wheel has landed six individuals in federal court. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced the August 28, 2025 indictment of a network of conspirators who allegedly greased palms to secure Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) for applicants who never bothered with training or testing.
At the heart of the operation is MAHMOUD ALHATTAB (“ALHATTAB”), a local restaurant owner who allegedly acted as the central hub, accepting payments from CDL hopefuls eager to skip the legally required hurdles. The indictment details how ALHATTAB allegedly circumvented each of the three main federally-mandated steps: the knowledge test, entry-level driver training, and the skills test. These aren’t minor oversights – we’re talking about the basics of safely operating a multi-ton vehicle.
The scheme was multi-layered. To defeat the knowledge test, ALHATTAB allegedly bribed two employees at a Donaldsonville, La. OMV office: JENAY DAVIS (“DAVIS”) and SHAKIRA MILLIEN (“MILLIEN”). The pair are accused of actually *taking* the written tests for applicants, resorting to internet searches to find the answers. For the training requirement, ALHATTAB allegedly paid off truck driver training business operators CHRISTOPHER BRYAN BURNS (“BURNS”) and JONATHAN PARSONS (“PARSONS”) to falsely report successful completion of training that never happened.
But the fraud didn’t stop there. BURNS and PARSONS, who were also certified skills test examiners, allegedly reported applicants had passed the practical driving test even when they hadn’t even gotten behind the wheel. In some cases, PARSONS allegedly enlisted the help of another examiner, MARLINE ROBERTS (“ROBERTS”), who fabricated score sheets to cover their tracks. This isn’t just about cutting corners; it’s about deliberately endangering the public.
All six defendants are jointly charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. ALHATTAB and PARSONS face two counts of honest services wire fraud, while BURNS, DAVIS, and ROBERTS are each charged with one count. ALHATTAB, MILLIEN, and PARSONS are further accused of four counts of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. BURNS, DAVIS, and ROBERTS face one count each of bribery concerning federal programs. The conspiracy and wire fraud counts carry a potential sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment, while the bribery charges carry up to 10 years. Each count also comes with potential fines of up to $250,000, supervised release, and assessment fees.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson stressed that the indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The investigation was a joint effort by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the Louisiana State Office of Inspector General and Louisiana Public Safety Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon of the Public Integrity Unit is leading the prosecution. This case serves as a stark reminder that those who prioritize profit over public safety will be held accountable.”
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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