NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Those with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security said a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper has been placed on discretionary leave with pay pending an ongoing criminal investigation.
The investigation was being completed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the department’s Inspectional Services Bureau.
Officials said 47-year-old Trooper Mark D. Williams was arrested by TBI agents Friday morning in Lauderdale County on drug charges.
Agents said all of Williams’ departmental equipment was taken, including weapons, badges, and his commission card.
“We have cooperated fully with the TBI on this investigation and acted quickly to take immediate administrative action,” Commissioner Bill Gibbons said. “While disheartening, the alleged actions of this one trooper are not representative of the THP as a whole.”
“We expect more of our state troopers and are disappointed in this situation. The allegations will be investigated thoroughly by TBI and internally, and we will take the appropriate action based on the outcome,” THP Colonel Trott said.
Williams began his career with the Highway Patrol in January 2004. He was assigned to Lauderdale County of the THP’s Memphis District.
No further details were released. The investigation was ongoing.
