Winterville, N.C. — A Highway Patrol trooper and a Winterville police officer have been cited for alcohol violations, authorities said.

Trooper Michael Rogister and Officer Ty Grant were recently charged with drinking alcohol in a nightclub 30 minutes after curfew. State law requires alcohol to be off tables and counters of nightclubs and restaurants by 2:30 a.m.

Rogister, 28, has been with the Highway Patrol for six years and is assigned to work in Pitt County. The agency began an internal investigation into the matter, a patrol spokesman said.

The Winterville Police Department also is conducting an internal investigation into the charge against Grant, Police Chief Billy Wilkes said.