CLEARFIELD – A former Clearfield-based state trooper faces charges alleging that he solicited sexual favors on- and off-duty.
Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. and Cpl. Gregory Bernard of the state police internal affairs division made the announcement concerning former trooper Charles Butler III of Philipsburg Thursday afternoon. Shaw stated that the filed charges were a result of a year-long investigation.
A total of seven women were identified during the investigation.
Butler is charged with unlawful use of a computer, five counts of bribery in official and political matters, six counts of stalking, five counts of official oppression, one count of indecent assault and 10 counts of harassment. The criminal complaint alleges that the incidents happened between 2002 and 2006.
The investigation began after an anonymous complaint in June 2006. Butler was placed on restricted duty in February. He was stripped of his gun and badge and was restricted to desk duty, according to Bernard. He was also prohibited from representing himself as a state trooper outside of the state police barracks.
“This case in no fashion should be taken as a negative reflection on the conduct of the Pennsylvania state police,” said Shaw. “Instead our community should recognize that the state police has no tolerance for inappropriate conduct by their troopers and they make every effort to guarantee the highest standards of law enforcement are followed.
“We have many hard-working and honest state troopers in Clearfield County and our community should have complete trust and confidence in these fine officers.”
According to Shaw, Butler resigned on Wednesday. Shaw said that people would have to draw their own conclusions as the close proximity of the date Butler resigned and the date the charges were filed.
The affidavit of probable cause identifies multiple alleged victims that Butler is accused of soliciting sexual favors from in exchange for his representation that traffic citations would not be issued or enforced. It also identifies other instances where Butler would have sexual relations with women while on duty in a police vehicle. Butler is also accused of using the state police computer to identify, locate and contact women in efforts to initiate personal relationships.
According to a press release by the state police, Butler allegedly told the women that he would overlook violations of the law involving the women in exchange for allowing him to have relationships with them.
In one case Butler allegedly took a woman into a bar and allowed her to consume alcohol while she was on probation. In another case he allegedly allowed a woman to drive a vehicle when he was aware that her driver’s license was under suspension. In a third case Butler is accused of helping a woman’s speeding citation get changed to a lesser charge.
When asked if he expected appeals from prior cases that Butler worked on, Shaw replied, “In a nutshell, no.”
Bernard also offered comments as the alleged conduct of his former comrade.
“My reaction is, I’m frankly appalled that a trooper would do this,” said Bernard. “I wear the same uniform that he did. I’m embarrassed.”
“It’s shocking and disappointing,” commented Shaw. “Every barrel of apples, every now and then you’ll have one that has a worm in it.
“The state police have a long tradition of excellence,” added Shaw. “When this happens the state police act swiftly to stop it.”
Butler was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge James Hawkins and is free on $25,000 posted bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 14 at the Clearfield County Courthouse, Courtroom 1 at 11 a.m.
Read GantDaily Friday for a more in-depth look at the criminal complaint filed against Butler.