Waiting on vehicle paperwork is never fun. Finding out that someone else apparently bought their way to the front of the line probably won't improve the experience. In Massachusetts, prosecutors say a former Registry of Motor Vehicles clerk turned those delays into a lucrative private business—and apparently, the side hustle paid better than the government job that made it possible in the first place.
According to the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, Ashlee Jordan, 29, of Bridgewater, allegedly earned more from bribes than from her RMV salary. Authorities say customers paid her personally for overnight processing and exemptions from requirements, including salvage inspections.
For any locals wondering about specifics, Jordan worked at the agency's Quincy headquarters. She joined the RMV in 2019, according to prosecutors, and handled duties including duplicate titles, ownership changes, title corrections, and liens. That access allegedly became particularly valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic, because the building closed to the public and some processing times more than tripled. Prosecutors allege she capitalized on the backlog by offering unique (and it turns out, illegal) title and registration services. Paying clients could allegedly have transactions completed overnight, even with improper or incomplete paperwork.
All of this might have you wondering how Jordan got into this business, and how she found customers. Allegedly, she hung out at a car enthusiasts' social club while openly wearing her RMV lanyard.
Jordan wasn't alone in the scheme, according to authorities; they also charged 47-year-old Stanley Nazaire of Somerville. They say he approached towing companies to drum up business for Jordan; then, he'd allegedly encourage them to pay for faster titles. (Authorities say he was also a customer.)
Jordan faces one count each of bribery, unwarranted privilege, and conspiracy to commit title fraud. Nazaire faces one count each of bribery and solicitation to commit bribery. Both were arraigned in Norfolk Superior Court on October 27 and released on personal recognizance; the charges remain allegations.
