Cops: License-less driver topped 100 mph before killing 3

Pennsylvania Daybook

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania court says the state police don't have to release six misconduct complaints about a now-fired trooper. Wednesday's Commonwealth Court decision says complaints against ex-Trooper Michael Trotta are exempt under Pennsylvania's open records law because they relate to noncriminal investigations. A civil litigation lawyer from Florida had sought access to complaints against Trotta. The lawyer had argued that the complaints should be disclosed, even if the records from any resulting investigations are exempt. Pennlive reports (http://bit.ly/2fzb2eI) that Trotta was fired last year, several months after being accused of using excessive force while arresting a skateboarder in Harrisburg. The skateboarder is suing Trotta and another trooper in federal court. State police settled another federal lawsuit against Trotta over a claim he detained and strip-searched a man without legal justification. ___ Information from: Pennlive.com, http://www.pennlive.com

Court shields complaints about troopers from disclosure