Former Driving School Owner Gets 1 Day in Jail for RMV Bribery Scheme

Carlos Cardosa bribed an RMV employee to issue licenses to unqualified drivers over 18 months.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A former Brockton driving school owner, Carlos Cardosa, was sentenced to one day in prison for bribing a road test examiner at the Brockton Registry of Motor Vehicles to issue driver's licenses to people who either failed or did not complete the required road tests. Cardosa pleaded guilty last year to one count of honest services mail fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of public corruption schemes that compromise public safety by putting unqualified drivers on the roads. While Cardosa's sentence was reduced due to his health issues, the case underscores the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures at state motor vehicle agencies.

The details

Cardosa was accused of paying an unnamed RMV employee no less than $20,000 to falsely record test results for between 100 and 300 applicants over an 18-month period from August 2019 to April 2021. Prosecutors said Cardosa and the RMV employee conspired 'to enrich themselves personally' through the bribery scheme.

  • Cardosa was initially charged in 2024.
  • Cardosa pleaded guilty last year.
  • Cardosa was sentenced on Friday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Carlos Cardosa

A 72-year-old former Brockton driving school owner who pleaded guilty to bribing an RMV employee to issue driver's licenses to unqualified applicants.

Leah Foley

The U.S. Attorney who announced Cardosa's sentencing.

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What they’re saying

“To put it plainly, Mr. Cardoso participated in a long-term public corruption scheme that endangered public safety by putting unqualified drivers on the road.”

— Prosecutors (boston.com)

What’s next

The judge will determine if Cardosa will be allowed to serve his six-month home incarceration sentence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures at state motor vehicle agencies to prevent public corruption schemes that compromise public safety. It also raises questions about the sentencing guidelines for such crimes and whether they adequately deter future offenders.