Fourth State Trooper Dismissed

Raleigh, N.C. — A fourth state Highway Patrol trooper has been dismissed from the force, authorities said Thursday.

Trooper Eric Pender was dismissed last month following an internal investigation, said Lt. Everett Clendenin, of the Highway Patrol. Clendenin declined to provide more information about the case, citing state personnel privacy laws.

Three other troopers have been fired or resigned in the past two weeks, and a fourth is under investigation following criminal charges or allegations of misconduct:

• Trooper Scott Harrison was fired two weeks ago after being accused of targeting young women for overnight traffic stops. When a judge ruled his credibility was questionable, Wake County prosecutors dismissed dozens of charges he had brought.

• Trooper Michael Steele resigned last week amid allegations that he forced two women he pulled over to kiss him.

• Sgt. Charles Jones, who was in charge of training the Highway Patrol's K-9 unit, was fired after state officials reviewed a videotape provided by a fellow trooper that appeared to show Jones abusing a dog during a training exercise. Officials also ordered a complete review of the K-9 program.

• First Sgt. John Warren was placed on investigative leave Sunday after he was charged with drunken driving.