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Ex-State Police trooper to plead guilty in commercial driver’s license scheme
Calvin Butner and three other members of the CDL unit allegedly gave passing test scores to at least 17 applicants regardless of their performance.
A former Massachusetts State Police trooper has agreed to plead guilty in an alleged conspiracy to give passing test scores to commercial driver’s license applicants regardless of their performance, officials said Tuesday.
Calvin Butner, 64, of Halifax, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to falsify records, three counts of falsifying records and aiding and abetting, and five counts of making false statements, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. His plea hearing is set for April 7.
Between May 2019 and January 2023, Butner and three other members of the CDL unit allegedly gave the passing test scores to at least 17 applicants. CDL applicants are required to take a “demanding, in-person test” to drive vehicles like tractor-trailers, box trucks, and school buses, officials said.
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According to texts highlighted in the statement, Butner and his co-conspirators used the term “golden” to refer to such applicants. The statement did not specify why these applicants received the preferential treatment.
A civilian co-defendant, Eric Mathison, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit extortion last month.
Those identified in the investigation to have unearned CDLs have been reported to the state Registry of Motor Vehicles, according to the statement.
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