Ex-trooper to be sentenced for civil-rights violations

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

A judge has set a sentencing date for an ex-trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol who pleaded guilty to violating the civil rights of female motorists by forcing them into sexual acts in exchange for dropping traffic charges.

Bryan Lee also pleaded guilty to a count of cyberstalking involving threatening messages sent to a woman pulled over twice within a month’s time.

Judge Michael Watson recently scheduled sentencing for Lee for April 14 in federal court in Columbus.

Lee’s guilty plea last year followed an investigation into traffic stops performed by Lee from 2006 through October of last year. The government says Lee acknowledged forcing women into sex acts while they were under arrest or handcuffed.