THP Investigates and Arrests Former Trooper
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 | 11:07am
NASHVILLE --- An investigation conducted by the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) leads to the indictment of a former trooper on forgery, official misconduct and false reporting. On Tuesday, a Claiborne County Grand Jury indicted former Trooper Charlene Green on 77 felony counts after it was discovered she allegedly wrote fraudulent citations.
THP’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) initiated an internal investigation in September after receiving an internal complaint. It stemmed from a copy of a citation, written by Green, which was sent to THP’s Fall Branch District office from the Claiborne County Clerk’s Office. The ticket had been dismissed by the judge because Green failed to file the citation with the court. During further routine inspection of court documents and citations turned in by Green, her Lieutenant and Sergeant discovered more discrepancies. Those findings were reported through the chain of command resulting in the OPR investigation.
“It is important that everyone knows that this investigation was initiated by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, investigated by this agency, presented to the grand jury by this agency, and the arrest was made by the THP,” said Colonel Mike Walker. “This type of behavior will not be tolerated.”
Agents with THP’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) also launched a formal investigation of possible criminal violations of falsifying documents. After cross-checking other citations turned in by Green with those on file at the Clerk’s Office, investigators discovered that Green wrote dozens of “fake” tickets, sometimes using information of individuals she issued tickets to years ago. In one case, Green is accused of using the name of a driver she issued a ticket to in 2004. She allegedly forged his name on four citations she turned in to her superiors in February, March and July of 2008. In all, CID agents were able to determine that from January 12, 2008, through September 2, 2008, Green wrote a total of 60 fraudulent citations involving 28 individuals. Because of the quick action that was taken by investigators, no citations were posted to the victims’ driving records.
The CID case was submitted to the District Attorney in November. Green faces 38 counts of forgery, 38 counts of false reporting and one count of official misconduct.
Green resigned from her position as Trooper with the Highway Patrol in lieu of termination on October 1, 2008. Despite her resignation, Ms. Green forfeited her annual leave, her right to appeal through minimum due process, and Commissioner Mitchell recommended that she not be allowed future employment by the state of Tennessee. In addition, Colonel Mike Walker notified the Peace Officer Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.) Commission of her conduct and requested that she be decertified as a law enforcement officer in the state of Tennessee.
Former Trooper Green, 32, was commissioned in January 2004, and was assigned to Clairborne County in the Fall Branch District.
The Tennessee Department of Safety’s mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.