Gov. Bev Perdue issued a statement repeating that she has "zero tolerance for unacceptable behavior" when it comes to the actions of state troopers.
Perdue also disclosed that two troopers accused of mistreating a Raleigh mother and her husband have been placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of an internal affair investigation.
"We expect the absolute best from state employees," Perdue said, according to the written statement. "This incident has been under investigation since it came to light. These two troopers have been placed on administrative duty. The secretary of Crime Control and Public Safety and the colonel of the Highway Patrol will take appropriate action upon completion of their investigation.”
The investigation of Senior Trooper Edward S. Wyrick and Trooper Andrew Smith was prompted by an eight-page letter sent to Perdue Friday by Raleigh lawyer Hoyt Tessener, detailing his wife Gina's negative experience with Wyrick earlier this month in Wilmington.
The Tesseners have accused Wyrick of falsely arresting the 51-year-old mother of three, mistreating her and then orchestrating an unjustified traffic stop of her husband by Smith.
Hoyt Tessener said Thursday he is pleased to hear the troopers have been taken off the road, at least until the investigation is complete.
"That's the right thing to do," he said. "I'm thankful for the governor's actions. I hope they do have a fair and impartial investigation."
