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Former Highway Patrol Commander Pleads Not Guilty
By: Associated Press
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MARIETTA, Ohio (AP) – A former State Highway Patrol commander accused of stalking a subordinate’s wife after an affair has pleaded not guilty to abduction, criminal trespassing and other charges in southeast Ohio.
Forty-seven-year-old William Elschlager also pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of theft, criminal mischief, menacing by stalking and receiving stolen property.
He’s out of jail on $25,000 bond but remains on home confinement. His trial is Aug. 3.
Elschlager’s attorney didn’t immediately respond to a message Tuesday but previously raised questions about the alleged victim’s credibility.
The veteran trooper led the Marietta post and was fired after officials learned about the allegations.
He was charged separately in Delaware County with stealing two guns in evidence that were supposed to be destroyed or returned when he was a patrolman in central Ohio.