Pubdate: Thu, 20 Dec 2012
Source: Dallas Morning News (TX)
Copyright: 2012 The Dallas Morning News, Inc.
Contact: http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/send-a-letter/
Website: http://www.dallasnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/117
Author: Tasha Tsiaperas

TROOPER SUSPENDED OVER SEARCH COMPLAINT

A state trooper criticized for conducting body cavity searches of two 
Irving women during a traffic stop has been placed on paid suspension.

The two women have filed a federal lawsuit against trooper Kelley 
Helleson and another trooper, as well as the head of the state 
Department of Public Safety.

The lawsuit accuses Helleson of using her fingers to conduct cavity 
searches - using the same latex gloves - on both women in July on 
State Highway 161.

The women were searched for illegal drugs after the other trooper 
stopped them for throwing cigarette butts out of their car. No drugs 
were found.

The Dallas County district attorney's public integrity division is 
investigating the case, which will go before a grand jury in January.

Helleson will remain suspended during the investigation, DPS 
spokesman Tom Vinger said. 
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