Ex-Trooper Perry Mendes Gets a Month for Rigging CDL Tests

BOSTON – A former Massachusetts State Police (MSP) trooper is headed to federal prison after admitting his role in a brazen scheme to sell passing scores on Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) tests. Perry Mendes, 64, of Wareham, received a one-month sentence yesterday from U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani, followed by a year of supervised release, with the first two months confined to his home. Prosecutors had argued for a year behind bars and a $5,500 fine, citing the serious public safety implications of the fraud.

Mendes pleaded guilty in July 2025 to one count of conspiracy to falsify records, three counts of falsifying records, and two counts of making false statements. The charges stemmed from a 74-count indictment handed down in January 2024, implicating Mendes and five other individuals in the elaborate scheme. The investigation revealed a systemic effort to bypass federal regulations and put unqualified drivers behind the wheel of commercial vehicles.

The MSP’s CDL Unit is tasked with administering the rigorous skills tests required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a branch of the U.S. Department of Transportation. These tests – Vehicle Inspection, Basic Control Skills, and the Road Test – are designed to ensure that only competent and qualified drivers receive a CDL, protecting the public from dangerous operators. Mendes and his co-conspirators flagrantly disregarded these standards.

Between January 2019 and April 2022, the group allegedly provided automatic passing scores to at least 17 CDL applicants, regardless of their actual performance. A chilling code – “golden handshake” or simply “golden” – was used to identify those receiving preferential treatment. Mendes admitted to cutting skills tests short for these “golden” applicants, falsifying score sheets, and even reporting passing scores for individuals who never even took the test. This wasn’t oversight, it was a calculated betrayal of public trust.

“This case underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the CDL licensing process,” stated U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley in a press release. “The actions of Mr. Mendes and his co-conspirators put lives at risk and undermined the safety of our roadways.” The investigation was a joint effort by Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine J. Wichers and Adam W. Deitch of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit are leading the prosecution.

While Mendes received a relatively lenient sentence, the case serves as a stark reminder that those entrusted with upholding the law will be held accountable for abusing their positions. The remaining defendants are still awaiting trial, and further details of the conspiracy are expected to emerge as the case progresses. Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and report on any further developments.

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