Other Defendants Receive Lighter Sentences
Cederquist was the only defendant to go to trial, resulting in a far harsher punishment than his co-conspirators. Fellow trooper Joel Rogers avoided prison through a deferred prosecution deal, while retired officers Calvin Butner and Perry Mendes received three and one-month sentences, respectively.
Two civilians were also implicated. Scott Camara, who ran a trucking school that funneled unqualified applicants into the scheme, received one month in prison, and Eric Mathison, a bottled water company employee, was sentenced to a year behind bars.
A Fall from Grace for a Decorated Officer
Cederquist spent decades with the Massachusetts State Police, rising through the ranks before being charged in January 2024. His plea for leniency cited years of service, but prosecutors argued his long tenure only made the betrayal worse.
“For nearly his entire time in the CDL Unit, Cederquist led a criminal enterprise that endangered lives and mocked the integrity of law enforcement,” the government’s brief stated.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, represented by Adam Deitch and Christine Wichers, declined to comment on Wednesday’s verdict.
Cederquist was represented by defense attorney Kevin Reddington, who did not respond to requests for comment.
