Officials say that at least 100 California truck drivers paid up to $5000 to California DMV employees for their CDL licenses to avoid taking or passing their tests.
DMV Employees and Trucking Schools Involved in Bribery Scandal
Authorities have arrested six people in connection with the bribery scheme. Three California DMV employees in the Salinas and Sacramento offices have been accused of taking thousands of dollars worth of bribes in exchange for CDLs. Three men who own California truck driving schools are also accused of working with the DMV to obtain the false CDLs.
DMV investigators have linked 23 accidents to CDLs that are suspected of being fraudulent so far, but the investigation is still ongoing.
DMV Cancelled More Than 600 CDLs
The DMV has canceled over 600 CDLs that they have linked to the indicted DMV employees or the truck driving schools.
DMV officials say that drivers who have had their CDL revoked may request a hearing or go to the DMV to take the written and driving tests.
Investigators say that the bribery scheme has been going on since 2011.
The truck driving schools involved in the scandal are the Sacramento Truck School, Mid-California Truck School, and the Central Truck Driving School. CBS Sacramento reported that when they visited the address that one of the truck driving schools, all they found was an empty field.
Sources:
LA Times
Capitol Public Radio
Merced Sun-Star
CBS Sacramento