Highway Patrol troopers transferred amid cheating investigation

At least five State Highway Patrol troopers have been transferred out of Wake County and into other divisions as patrol leaders investigate allegations of cheating during last month's promotions testing.

Sources told WRAL Investigates that the transfers – three from the patrol's training center and two others based in Wake County – are related to the investigation. Highway Patrol administrators wouldn't confirm that Thursday.

To date, the five troopers show only recent transfers and no formal disciplinary action on their records.

On June 28, the Highway Patrol released a letter from Col. Glenn M. McNeill to section directors and troop and unit commanders announcing that promotions, annually announced on July 1, would be indefinitely delayed while the patrol investigated the cheating allegation.

"The entire promotion process is currently under review," McNeill said in the letter. "Based on this review, we will take steps necessary to refine and improve the process used by the patrol for future promotion opportunities. In addition, effective Monday, July 15, the promotion process will reside under the Professional Standards Section of the patrol."

Last week, Unber Ahmad, a North Carolina State University graduate assistant who helped administer the promotions test, was dismissed. Ahmad also was terminated from the Highway Patrol internship program.

McNeill has said he wants to reassure the public of fairness and integrity in the process, and promotions will remain on hold until the investigation is complete.