Trooper charged in second incident

Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Investigators have filed additional charges against a state trooper accused of making Hispanic drivers pay to avoid tickets.

Lance Cpl. Stephen A. Watts of Pelion was charged Tuesday with malicious injury to personal property. According to an arrest warrant, Watts "willfully and maliciously" slashed a motorist's car tire during a traffic stop.

Watts also was charged with misconduct in office. According to a second arrest warrant, he "initiated traffic stops" between Oct. 1 and Nov. 11 then "forced motorists to pay cash to conclude the stop and avoid going to jail or receiving a citation."

Watts was earlier charged with misconduct in office in connection with traffic stops targeting Hispanic drivers. Investigators say Watts pulled over a Hispanic motorist and forced the driver to pay as much as $40 to avoid a ticket.

The incidents are being investigated by the State Law Enforcement Division.

Watts had been with the Highway Patrol since 2000 until he was fired after his November arrest.

Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com/

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