Trooper charged with teen molestation

Tuesday, July 25th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Miami-AP) -- An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper has been charged in connection with the sexual abuse of two teenage girls. Trooper James Carl Pischel faces six counts of rape, indecent exposure, lewd molestation and sodomy. Pischel is free after posting $10,000 bond.

The state alleges that during interviews, the now 15-and-17-year-old victims said Pischel abused them between June1997 and May. The 17-year-old claims Pischel performed oral sex on her and exposed his genitals to her. The younger girl claims Pischel fondled her.

Records show Pischel has a clean driving record with the Department of Public Safety. The Department of Public Safety tried to fire Pischel following an 1980 accident that killed the wife and daughter of Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel. The Oklahoma Merit Protection Commission overturned that decision and set a 75-day suspension.