Investigation of two state troopers leads to Grant County

COLUMBIA BASIN - Two of the nine Washington State Patrol troopers and sergeants who are being investigated for allegedly using false college degrees patrolled regularly in Grant County.

Trooper John McMillan and Trooper Spike Unruh are being investigated and worked in District 6 which includes Grant County, Okanogan County, Chelan County, Douglas County and Kittitas County.

Trooper Bryan Ensley, Trooper Gabriel Olson, Sgt. Jason Linn, Sgt. Rob Brusseau, Trooper Dennis Tardiff, Sgt. Chris Sweet and Trooper Dan Mann are also being investigated, according to The Olympian newspaper. The seven men serve districts spanning from Seattle to Spokane.

The state patrol is leading the investigation, according to the Associated Press. The state patrol placed the men on paid administrative leave Oct. 13.

The troopers and sergeants may have used the false credentials to gain higher pay.

State Patrol Capt. Jeff DeVere told the AP the investigation began after people in a a Spokane-based diploma mill were found guilty in federal court for giving false credentials and bribing officials to obtain an accredited status as an online university.

During the trial, information was revealed indicating several people who purchased false diplomas worked for various government agencies, including the state patrol. Personnel who allegedly purchased the false credentials are from government agencies spanning across the country, the AP reported.

It is unclear what diploma mill is being investigated in connection with state patrol personnel.