(Conway-AP) Feb. 12, 2004 - The State Law Enforcement Division says a liquor store owner from Conway has been charged in an alleged ticket-fixing scheme with a Highway Patrol trooper.

SLED Lieutenant Mike Brown says Ronald Stalvey Junior of Stalvey's Liquor Store was charged Wednesday with obstructing justice and criminal conspiracy.

Highway Patrol Lance Corporal Redding C. Smith was charged Tuesday with misconduct in office. Investigators say he offered to dismiss an Horry County man's drunken driving charge in exchange for $1800.

Smith also has been charged with obstructing justice, criminal conspiracy and soliciting something of value for the performance of his duties.

Prosecutor Greg Hembree says motorists who paid to have their charges dismissed probably won't be charged if they come forward.

updated 7:42am by BrettWitt