A former Massachusetts State Police trooper has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in a scheme to falsify Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) test scores. Perry Mendes, 64, of Wareham, received a sentence of one month in prison followed by one year of supervised release, with the first two months on home confinement. The sentencing took place in federal court in Boston before U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani. Prosecutors had recommended a longer sentence of one year and a $5,500 fine.
Mendes pleaded guilty in July 2025 to conspiracy to falsify records, three counts of falsifying records, and two counts of making false statements. He was charged alongside five others in January 2024 as part of a broader indictment related to the conspiracy.
According to federal authorities, members of the Massachusetts State Police CDL Unit were responsible for administering CDL skills tests required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These tests are designed to ensure only qualified drivers receive commercial licenses and include segments on vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and road testing.
Between January 2019 and April 2022, Mendes participated in a scheme that allowed at least 17 applicants to receive passing scores regardless of their actual performance or participation in the test. The code word “golden handshake,” or simply “golden,” was used within the group to identify those who would benefit from this special treatment.
In court proceedings last month, Mendes admitted he shortened skills tests for certain applicants and entered false information on score sheets indicating they had passed when they had not. He also acknowledged reporting passing scores for an applicant who never took the test.
“United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Brian C. Gallagher, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region made the announcement today.” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine J. Wichers and Adam W. Deitch are handling prosecution duties for the case.
