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Ex-Trooper Allegedly 'Betrayed Public Trust' And Sexually Abused Women During Traffic Stops
Former Arizona trooper Tremaine Jackson allegedly used his badge and trooper car to victimize women.
An Arizona state trooper is accused of abusing his power by victimizing a string of women during traffic stops, and now he’s been hit with 61 charges, which include multiple counts of sexual abuse, extortion, and kidnapping.
Tremaine Jackson, 43, has “betrayed public trust” by using his badge and trooper car to victimize at least eight women, Arizona Department of Public Safety Col. Frank Milstead said during a Tuesday press conference, adding that he thinks there may be more victims.
“Trooper Jackson was using his position as Arizona State Trooper to bargain leniency for favor,” he said.
The first complaint against Jackson, who has been part of the Department of Public Safety for about 13 years, was made in May after a female motorist said he made inappropriate comments to her. Then, in June, another woman said he sexually abused her during a stop. The same day that complaint was made, Milstead said Jackson was placed on administrative leave.
“We began to contact other women who had been stopped or cited by trooper Jackson,” Milstead said. “To that end, we have identified eight victims at this point who have had inappropriate commentary or inappropriate contact with Trooper Jackson”
He added, “We’re absolutely horrified.”
A press release details Jackson’s long list of charges which, in addition to kidnapping and sexual abuse, include forgery charges. Milstead said that pertains to Jackson forging paperwork regarding the amount of time spent at a particular location. The kidnapping charges stems from him allegedly keeping victims for longer than he should and not allowing them to leave while they weren’t under arrest.
Jackson was fired from the force after he was arrested. Milstead said that the incidents all happened when he was using work vehicles.
It's not clear if he has a lawyer who can speak on his behalf at this time.
The department set up a hotline at 602-223-2389 and a website for people who may be victims.
