An investigation conducted by the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) has led to the indictment of a former trooper on forgery, official misconduct and false reporting charges.

On Tuesday, a Claiborne County Grand Jury indicted former Trooper Charlene Green, 32, on 77 felony counts after it was discovered she allegedly wrote fraudulent citations, a THP news release said.

Green had been commissioned in January 2004, and was assigned to Clairborne County in the Fall Branch District.

THP's Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) initiated an internal investigation of Green in September after receiving an internal complaint, according to the news release.

The investigation stemmed from a copy of a citation, written by Green, which was sent to THP's Fall Branch District office from the Claiborne County Clerk's Office, the news release said. The ticket had been dismissed by the judge because Green failed to file the citation with the court.

During further routine inspection of court documents and citations turned in by Green, her lieutenant and sergeant discovered more discrepancies, according to the news release. Those findings were reported through the chain of command resulting in the investigation.

"It is important that everyone knows that this investigation was initiated by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, investigated by this agency, presented to the grand jury by this agency, and the arrest was made by the THP," said Colonel Mike Walker. "This type of behavior will not be tolerated."

Agents with THP's Criminal Investigation Division (CID) also launched a formal investigation of possible criminal violations of falsifying documents. After cross-checking other citations turned in by Green with those on file at the Clerk's Office, investigators discovered that Green wrote dozens of "fake" tickets, sometimes using information of individuals she issued tickets to years ago. In one case, Green is accused of using the name of a driver she issued a ticket to in 2004.

She allegedly forged his name on four citations she turned in to her superiors in February, March and July of 2008. In all, agents were able to determine that from Jan. 12, 2008, through Sept. 2, 2008, Green wrote a total of 60 fraudulent citations involving 28 individuals. Because of the quick action that was taken by investigators, no citations were posted to the victims' driving records.

The case was submitted to the District Attorney in November. Green faces 38 counts of forgery, 38 counts of false reporting and one count of official misconduct.

Green resigned from her position as trooper with the Highway Patrol in lieu of termination on October 1, 2008.

Despite her resignation, Green forfeited her annual leave, her right to appeal through minimum due process, and it was recommended that she not be allowed future employment by the state of Tennessee. In addition, Colonel Walker notified the Peace Officer Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.) Commission of her conduct and requested that she be decertified as a law enforcement officer in the state of Tennessee.