Highway Patrol major on administrative leave

Patrol spokesman Sgt. Jeff Gordon would not say why Clendenin, one of six majors in the Highway Patrol and the head of the patrol's Support Services, was on leave, only that it was pending the outcome of an investigation.

Clendenin, who has been with the Highway Patrol since 1988, was promoted to major in March.

He began working in the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety's Public Affairs Office as a sergeant in December 2001. His duties included reporting on travel conditions during inclement weather and promoting the patrol's enforcement operations. Clendenin became a lieutenant in 2005 and a captain in 2008.

A 1981 graduate of Statesville Senior High School, Clendenin earned his bachelor of arts degree in public relations from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 1985 and his masters of science degree in justice administration from the University of Louisville in 2003.

Clendenin's leave comes following a series of misconduct cases involving troopers that have rocked the Highway Patrol's image over the past several years.

A number of troopers and officers have been disciplined or fired for offenses that included profiling young women for traffic stops, drunken driving, animal abuse and having sex on duty.

Chrissy Pearson, a spokeswoman for Gov. Bev Perdue, said the governor and the Highway Patrol are committed to doing what it takes to restore the public’s trust in the patrol.

“The governor continues to expect better of the Highway Patrol,” Pearson said.

Calls to Clendenin Tuesday evening were not immediately returned.