Trooper claims he didn't send resignation letter

CHARLESTON - A West Virginia State Trooper has filed a suit against the State Police, claiming he did not send a resignation letter to the department and he is not resigning.

Robert C. Copson Jr. claims the State Police wrongfully claimed he sent a resignation letter to the department. According to the suit, filed Jan. 9 in Kanawha Circuit Court, Copson claims he did not deliver or intend to deliver a resignation letter and is not resigning.

However, the department claims Copson is no longer a member of the department and has no rights or remedies as a Trooper.

Copson filed a grievance with the department asking for the department to rule that he is a Trooper and the position that he had officially resigned was wrong.

Copson claims the actions of the department caused him loss of wages, benefits and career progression. He claims he will be irreparably damaged by the failure to promptly provide him with relief.

According to the suit, Copson claims he has the right to determine for himself whether he will resign as a member of the West Virginia State Police Department.

Copson seeks to be reinstated to his position as a Trooper and receive the rights and remedies suitable for his position. He also seeks back pay, attorney fees, court costs and other charges.

Attorney Marvin W. Masters is representing Copson. The case has been assigned to Judge Louis Bloom.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 08-C-54