NEWS 25 - WEHT: Evansville, Henderson, Owensboro-Kentucky State Police Investigating One of Their Own

Kentucky State Police Investigating One of Their Own

story by Courtney Gousman

MUHLENBERG CO., KY - NEWS 25 is following an investigation involving a local trooper with Kentucky State Police.

Nathan Knight, a trooper with the Madisonville post, was arrested last week, and now state officials are investigating. Knight is facing felony drug charges.

State police would not tell NEWS 25 how many times Trooper Knight may have committed this crime, but we looked into his past and could not find any prior charges.

Trooper Nathan Knight has served seven years with Kentucky State Police's Madisonville Post. He's now under investigation by his peers, facing felony drug charges.

"Kentucky State Police issued an investigation against Trooper Knight which resulted in his arrest on October 6^th, 2009 and he is charged with one count of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud,” says Major Joe Williams, with KSP’s Frankfort Headquarters.

Those handling the case couldn’t say much about this investigation-- except that a special unit in Bowling Green is investigating.

Last Tuesday, Trooper Knight was arrested and booked into the Muhlenberg County Detention Center.

NEWS 25 talked with jail staff and learned Knight was released that same day.

"Its my understanding the district court judge did release him on some recognizance," says Major Williams.

NEWS 25 also talked to the Muhlenberg County Attorney about this case.

Darris Russell says essentially Knight is accused of having too many refills of prescription drugs in a short amount of time.

NEWS 25 went by the Beechmont, Kentucky address listed with investigators for Knight, but got no answer.

Neighbors tell NEWS 25 they don't think Knight lives at this home.

Despite the investigation, we found Trooper Knight is still on the state police payroll.

"Trooper Knight remains employed with KSP, however he is suspended with pay at the moment, pending an administrative investigation,” says Williams.

The Muhlenberg County Attorney's tell NEWS 25, most likely this case will be turned over to the Commonwealth Attorney, and eventually go to grand jury as soon as next month.