3 State Troopers Suspended After Probe Of Parties Involving Prostitutes

An investigation of parties that may have involved the promotion of prostitution has led to the suspensions of three state troopers, according to State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D'Amico.

Trooper Titus Taggart, 41, was suspended without pay effective April 26 as a result of an internal investigation that began in December 2011. Taggart is alleged to have organized parties that may have involved the promotion of prostitution, while off-duty, State Police said.

There has not been an arrest in this investigation, which is ongoing, according to State Police.

Trooper Jeremy C. Smith, 34, and Trooper Michael L. Petritz, 33, were also suspended without pay on April 26, in connection with a State Police administrative investigation.  

Smith and Petritz were suspended for allegedly engaging in misconduct, however, they were not involved in organizing the parties, State Police said.  

Troopers Smith, a 10-year trooper, and Petritz, an eight-year trooper, are each assigned to Troop T – Henrietta. Trooper Taggart, an 18-year veteran, is assigned to Troop T - Buffalo.