Maine Man Accused of Operating Fraudulent CDL Training Program

A Sanford man is out on bail after police say he operated a fraudulent commercial driver’s license training program in York County, allegedly taking thousands of dollars from students who never received their CDL.

According to WGME, Paul Rumery of Sanford is facing eight charges after investigators say he deceived multiple people seeking commercial driving licenses. A 15-page affidavit from investigators with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles says Rumery was operating an unlicensed driver education school for truck drivers.

Authorities say several students paid Rumery thousands of dollars for CDL training, but never received proper certification or licenses.

Leon Jackson said he spent nearly two years trying to obtain his CDL through Rumery. Jackson told investigators he paid about $10,000 for himself, his son and two friends to complete the training. The news station reported that while Jackson was able to obtain his permit, he says Rumery never submitted the necessary paperwork to the BMV to complete the certification process.

Jackson eventually enrolled in another driving school in Brunswick to obtain his CDL.

Investigators also say Rumery claimed he worked for Hannaford training commercial truck drivers. However, authorities determined he was teaching students from other companies on the side without holding a valid driver education license.

Officials say Rumery’s prices were thousands of dollars lower than state approved CDL schools, which investigators believe helped attract students. Ronald Vance, owner of Go Driving School, said Rumery’s alleged actions not only impacted students but also hurt legitimate training programs.

Vance said he was among several people who reported Rumery to the state. Rumery was arrested this week and the case remains under investigation.