NEWARK, Ohio -- Two Central Ohio law enforcement officers are accused of driving their motorcycle nearly 150 mph on an interstate highway.
Thirty-five-year-old Jason Highsmith entered a plea of not guilty Wednesday before Licking County Municipal Court Judge David Branstool.
Authorities say Highsmith, an off-duty state trooper, and Christopher Thomas, were clocked going 147 mph June 28 on Interstate 70 east of Columbus, where the speed limit is 65 mph.
Thomas, has been on injured leave from the Gahanna Police Department since December.
It took four days for troopers to issue Highsmith a ticket and eight days for Thomas.
The Ohio State Patrol said the two men received no special treatment. Troopers have six months to write tickets and regularly consult with supervisors.
"I would think if there was a double standard, neither one of these citations would have been issued, so I think after consulting with their supervisor, the citations were issued and the court dates were set," said Lt. Shawn Davis, of OSP.
"I understand where the frustration is coming from," said Gahanna Police Department Deputy Chief Ken Bell.
Thomas was on injured leave since he slipped and fell on ice in December. He's still receiving pay and benefits, including vacation time. Both the Bureau of Worker's Compensation and Gahanna police said they will be investigating as the court process continues.
When asked if Thomas would be fired, Bell responded, "I can't give you an answer to that. We're in an investigation and when we complete the investigation, we'll make determinations."
Branstool told Highsmith he would suspend Highsmith's license if he was convicted of the minor misdemeanor and if it occurred under reckless circumstances.
Highsmith is assigned to the State Highway Patrol's motorcycle unit in Columbus. He has been removed from the motorcycle unit and reassigned to the Delaware post.
He refused to comment to reporters following the hearing, and there is no telephone listing for him in the Columbus area.
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The Associated Press contributed to this article.
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