Former state trooper pleads not guilty to sexual misconduct

Prosecutors say a former Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper solicited sex in exchange for leniency on traffic tickets. But today that ex-trooper told a judge he’s not guilty.

The DPS fired Tremaine Jackson after at least eight women accused him of sexually harassing them during traffic stops.

Investigators say in one case Jackson grabbed a woman’s hand and put it on his genitals. Another woman claims he propositioned her for oral sex. Yet another says he asked her to rub her breasts on him.

Investigators also say Jackson falsified records to hide his actions.

However, on Friday the former trooper pleaded not guilty to 23 criminal charges, including two counts of unlawful sexual conduct, kidnapping , and forgery.

Jackson was a 13-year veteran of the Department of Public Safety. Most recently he rode motorcycle patrol in the Phoenix area.