BOSTON (WPRI) — A former Massachusetts State Police trooper has become the first person sentenced to prison for his role in a bribery scheme that allowed unqualified applicants to obtain commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).

Last January, two retired state troopers, two active troopers and two civilians were charged in a 74-count indictment for the alleged scheme.

On Thursday, 64-year-old Perry Mendes of Wareham was sentenced to one month in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, with the first two months on home confinement for his involvement.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Mendes was part of the State Police’s Commercial Driver Licensing (CDL) Unit, which is tasked with ensuring only applicants who meet federal safety standards receive CDLs.

Prosecutors said th

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