State trooper investigated on allegation of rape

A North Carolina state trooper has been placed on administrative duty amid an allegation of rape, according to the State Bureau of Investigation.

An SBI spokeswoman confirmed the nature of the allegation Thursday, a day after the highway patrol announced that Trooper Bryan R. Phillips was put on administrative duty while under investigation for possible criminal behavior.

According to highway patrol spokesman Sgt. Jeff Gordon, the patrol received a complaint about alleged crimes committed by Phillips while he was off duty.  He said the highway patrol is conducting an internal investigation.

Phillips, who is based in Wilmington, joined the agency in February 2005, completed patrol school and was officially sworn in on Sept. 15, 2005.

No other information was released.