Six Indicted in a CDL Bribery Scheme in Louisiana

Six Defendants Indicted in Louisiana CDL Bribery Scheme

Federal Indictment in CDL Bribery Case

Federal prosecutors in Louisiana announced the indictment of six people accused of running a commercial driver’s license (CDL) bribery scheme. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson of the Eastern District of Louisiana announced the charges on August 28, 2025.

The indictment says the defendants helped unqualified drivers get CDLs without completing the required steps. These steps include the written knowledge test, entry-level driver training, and the skills test. Federal law requires all three parts to ensure drivers are prepared to operate large trucks safely.

Restaurant Owner Accused of CDL Bribery

Prosecutors say Mahmoud Alhattab, a New Orleans restaurant owner, organized the scheme. He allegedly accepted money from applicants who wanted to skip the licensing process.

Alhattab then bribed state employees and training school operators to falsify test results and records. According to the indictment, this allowed drivers to avoid every step of the CDL process. If convicted, Alhattab could face long prison terms and heavy fines.

CDL Knowledge Test Allegedly Compromised

The knowledge test is a written exam given at an Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) location. It covers safety systems, emergency driving, and hazardous conditions.

Prosecutors allege that Alhattab bribed two OMV employees in Donaldsonville, Louisiana. Those employees, Jenay Davis and Shakira Millien, are accused of taking the CDL tests for applicants. According to the indictment, they sometimes searched the internet to find answers.

CDL Training Records Falsified

Entry-level CDL training requires new drivers to complete classroom instruction and supervised road practice. Prosecutors allege that Alhattab bribed two truck driver training school operators, Christopher Bryan Burns and Jonathan Parsons, to falsify training results.

The indictment says Burns and Parsons reported in a federal database that applicants had finished the training. In reality, the drivers had not trained at all.

CDL Skills Test Results Fabricated

The skills test measures a driver’s ability to inspect a truck, control the vehicle, and perform safety maneuvers. Prosecutors claim Burns and Parsons, both certified examiners, accepted bribes to pass applicants who never took the test.

In some cases, Parsons allegedly paid another examiner, Marline Roberts, to assist. Roberts is accused of creating fake CDL score sheets to support the fraudulent results.

Charges and Penalties in Bribery Case

All six defendants face one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. That charge carries up to 20 years in prison.

Alhattab and Parsons face two additional counts of honest services wire fraud. Burns, Davis, and Roberts each face one count.

Alhattab, Millien, and Parsons face four counts of bribery involving federally funded programs. Burns, Davis, and Roberts each face one bribery charge. Each bribery count carries up to 10 years in prison.

All charges may also result in fines up to $250,000, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee.

Investigation of the Bribery Scheme

The FBI and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General investigated the case. They were assisted by the Louisiana State Office of Inspector General and Louisiana Public Safety Services.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon of the Public Integrity Unit is prosecuting the case. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reminded the public that “the indictment is merely a charge, and that each defendant’s guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Safety Concerns Raised

The case highlights concerns about unsafe drivers obtaining CDLs without proper testing or training. Federal requirements exist to ensure that commercial drivers can safely handle emergencies and protect others on the road.

If the charges are proven, prosecutors say the scheme placed the public at serious risk. The scheme also weakens trust in the licensing system followed by every legitimate CDL holder in the U.S.