02-04-2025
Former MSP trooper pleads guilty in false licensing case
BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP)– A former Massachusetts State Police trooper will plead guilty after being charged for his involvement in falsely approving Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) for persons who failed the test.
According to prosecutors, Calvin Butner, 64, of Halifax, MA, and five others were charged in a 74-count indictment in January 2024. Investigators say that between or about May 2019 and January 2023, Butner and three other members of the CDL Unit conspired to give preferential treatment to at least 17 CDL applicants by agreeing to give passing scores on their CDL tests regardless of whether or not they actually passed.
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A CDL is required to drive a commercial vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer, a box truck, or a school bus. Test requirements for CDLs are established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation but states administer CDL tests and issue the licenses. An applicant must prove they have detailed knowledge of commercial vehicles, perform certain maneuvers, and safely drive on public roadways, including a highway. Only drivers who have passed the test and thereby proved they are qualified to drive a commercial vehicle may be issued a CDL, because public safety is at issue. Test scores reported by members of MSP's CDL Unit are material to whether applicants meet federal requirements for, and therefore whether the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles may issue, CDLs.
All CDL recipients identified as not qualified during the investigation were reported to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Butner 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.
On March 21 a civilian co-defendant, Eric Mathison, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit extortion.
The plea hearing is scheduled for April 7. Butner is facing possible prison sentences of 20 years for the conspiracy to falsify records charge and for each falsification charge, and $750,000 in fines.
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