A former Texas Department of Public Safety officer who took bribes in exchange for clean CMV inspections has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison.
Earlier this year, the owner of the company who bribed him pled guilty for his role in the fraud. The trooper, Kevin Cauley, would issue safety decals after claiming to have performed Roadside Level I Safety Inspections. In fact, at least 39 “inspections” took place on company property. The company passed every single one and was given safety decals for over 30 different trucks.
The fraud was discovered after a joint investigation into the carrier by the DOT Office of the Inspector General, the FBI, the Texas DPS Texas Rangers Division, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Earlier this year the owner of the carrier, Cruz and Sons Transportation, pled guilty to bribing Cauley and admitted to approaching Cauley in July of 2014 to offer to pay him for each clean inspection. In a little over a year, Cruz and Sons paid Cauley at least $4,000.
Both Cruz and Cauley pled guilty to one count of honest services wire fraud. Cauley has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison while Cruz is still awaiting sentencing.
Source: ttnews, truckersreport, dallasnews, nbcdfw, seattletimes, kristv
Shogun says
Hey, boy, you can’t run this junk equipment on my highway. I’m the law! Oh, wait, what’s this envelope filled with money? Ok, looks like you have one of the finest amd safest fleets in America. Now be sure to tell them what type of hero I am at the Rotary Club, ok?
Dwayne says
Another dirty cop in jail where he belongs….. Think about he thru his career, Not to mention his credibility away for $4k…. That’s a special kind of stupid
Chuck says
I was thinking the same thing bro soon as I read the story wow lose everthg for chump change$
Steve P says
$ 4000.00 dollars works out to about $266.00 A month for 15 months. Not very smart to risk you’re job and freedom for a couple if bucks
Daniel says
My thoughts exactly ! I could maybe understand his involvement it it were $4000 per inspection or per month, but to throw your Career, and now your freedom away for $4000 ???
But then again, even $60,000 isn’t worth this…… This Trooper is a disgrace to Law Enforcement and the Texas DPS !!!
TexasJester says
That was my thought reading this! Was the trooper THAT hard up for cash??
Ervin Jordan says
This happens more than people realize i see these guys from other countries all have these inspection stickers. And i wouldn,t drive that junck 10 feet
Kevin Boyette says
They could have spent the 4,000 on maintenance. What a joke, they must be running some real junk.
If you can’t afford tires and brakes, you should get a job on the taco truck.
Dave Berk says
That’s a good one
Driver says
Makes you wonder what else he was paid to overlook (drugs, illegals, who knows)
John Durbin says
Who is Fed Ex paying. As many rollovers that they have in a years time there is no way they should be still operating, let alone get green lights on Prepass.
Darko says
Finally, a good news!
Old man says
A corrupt cop??? No, say it isn’t so, Joe.
Ed Jewell says
FMCSA /ELD/ CSA DOT Cops on the take whats new. Get the Village peopke band and have them do there song YMCA but change the lyrics to FMCSA cause this Industry is a Joke.
Erika says
Lol
ELIAB MUNIZ says
Yep
Troglodyte says
He’s done!
Obviously his “Sworn Oath” to uphold the laws to protect and serve…The Motoring Public meant absolutely nothing!!!
Owner operator says
15 monts thats it??? Wow, think how bad this guy is and what ales he did that he didnt get cut at?
Yup we should trust them, whata sheme.