A former Massachusetts State Police trooper, Calvin Butner, has agreed to plead guilty in connection with a scheme to manipulate Commercial Driver's License (CDL) test scores. Butner, who is 64 and from Halifax, Massachusetts, faces charges including one count of conspiracy to falsify records, three counts of falsifying records and aiding and abetting, and five counts of making false statements. The plea hearing was scheduled by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani for April 7.
The charges relate to alleged activities between May 2019 and January 2023, where Butner and others conspired to give passing scores to CDL applicants who did not pass or complete their tests. According to the indictment, Butner used the term "golden" to identify applicants who would receive such treatment. Butner allegedly made passing scores available to these applicants, making comments like "this guys a mess," and describing one applicant as a "golden mess."
The scheme is said to involve at least 17 CDL applicants. According to legal documents, the applicants benefited from falsified reports which affected the issuance of CDL certifications, relying on MSP's reported scores to meet federal standards and obtain their licenses from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Details of the test provided added that CDL tests require demonstrating substantial knowledge and practical skills related to operating commercial vehicles on public roads.
In addition to the conspiracy to falsify records, Butner will plead guilty to claims of providing passing scores to three applicants who had failed the test and five who did not take it. Charges against the accused could result in up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and significant fines as per guidelines from the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Eric Mathison, a civilian co-defendant, has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion on March 21. During the investigation, unqualified CDL recipients have been reported to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley, alongside Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England, and Christopher A. Scharf, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine J. Wichers and Adam W. Deitch are prosecuting the case.
As per the law, all accused remain innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.