News Summary
Six individuals, including employees of the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, face charges for their involvement in a bribery scheme aimed at facilitating the acquisition of commercial driver’s licenses. The indictment reveals manipulative tactics used to bypass safety tests, jeopardizing public safety and calling for a reevaluation of the regulatory oversight in the licensing process.
Six Individuals Charged in Louisiana CDL Bribery Scheme
New Orleans, Louisiana—Six individuals have been charged in connection with a bribery scheme related to the acquisition of a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Louisiana. The indictment, published on August 28, 2025, outlines serious allegations involving the manipulation of the licensing process to allow applicants to bypass mandatory testing requirements.
Details of the Bribery Scheme
At the center of the scheme is Mahmoud Alhattab, a local restaurant owner, who is accused of bribing employees of the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) and operators of truck driver training businesses. This illicit activity allegedly enabled CDL applicants to avoid completing the necessary knowledge tests, entry-level driver training, and skills testing.
Two OMV employees, Jenay Davis and Shakira Millien, are implicated in the indictment for allegedly completing knowledge tests on behalf of CDL applicants in exchange for payments from Alhattab. Reports suggest that Davis and Millien conducted internet searches to find answers to the knowledge tests, further undermining the integrity of the licensing process.
In addition to the OMV employees, Christopher Bryan Burns and Jonathan Parsons, who operate truck driver training businesses, have also been charged. They are accused of accepting bribes from Alhattab to falsely report that applicants had completed necessary training in a federal database. Moreover, Burns and Parsons allegedly informed the State of Louisiana that these applicants had passed their skills tests, despite the fact that they had not undergone the necessary evaluations.
The indictment further reveals that Jonathan Parsons paid skills test examiner Marline Roberts to create falsified score sheets, which supported the misleading test reports. All six defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, with potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison.
Charges and Penalties
Mahmoud Alhattab and Jonathan Parsons each face two counts of honest services wire fraud, while Christopher Bryan Burns, Jenay Davis, and Marline Roberts are charged with one count of honest services wire fraud each. Furthermore, Alhattab, Millien, and Parsons are facing four counts of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, while Burns, Davis, and Roberts each face one count of bribery related to these programs. Each bribery count carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
Investigation and Implications
The investigation that led to these charges was carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General. This collaboration underscores the seriousness of the allegations as well as the commitment of federal authorities to root out corruption within the driver licensing process.
Background Context
Obtaining a CDL is a critical requirement for individuals who want to operate commercial vehicles. This process is in place to ensure that drivers meet specific safety standards and possess the necessary knowledge and skills. The current bribery scheme not only jeopardizes public safety but also undermines the integrity of the licensing framework established by state and federal guidelines.
The repercussions of this case extend beyond the six individuals charged; it raises questions about the effectiveness of regulatory oversight within the OMV and related entities. Ensuring the legitimacy and reliability of driver licensing is vital to maintaining road safety and public trust in the regulatory system.
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Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
