CLEARFIELD – A former state trooper out of Clearfield accused of soliciting sexual favors waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Monday.
Charles Butler III of Philipsburg was originally scheduled to have a hearing on Friday. 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 before he resigned on Aug. 15, one day before charges were filed against him.
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.
Butler is free on $25,000 posted bail.