State Police Probing Lawmaker’s Traffic Stop

State police officials have launched an internal probe into how and why a speeding ticket was issued to a lawmaker from south Jersey.

Assemblyman Nelson Albano claims he may have been targeted as payback for health benefit and pension reforms recently approved by the Legislature.

Citing confidential documents it obtained, the Star-Ledger of Newark reports Albano was stopped while driving to the Statehouse for Gov. Chris Christie's budget address. Albano admits asking Trooper Randy Pangborn to not issue the ticket, but denies trying to use his elected position to make that happen.

Pangborn, who refused Albano's request, claims police union leaders pressured him to make the ticket disappear. He has filed his own complaint with internal affairs.

State police declined comment on the complaints, citing the ongoing investigations.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)