NASHVILLE — A Bredesen administration official tells The Associated Press that the Tennessee Highway Patrol is firing a trooper found to have made unauthorized background checks.

The Safety Department suspended Lt. Ronnie Shirley last month after investigators said he used his position to conduct 182 background checks, some not authorized.

A source who is familiar with the situation spoke to AP on the condition of anonymity because the official announcement wasn’t scheduled until later today.

Early results from the state’s investigation of Shirley have been turned over to Nashville prosecutors.

The Safety Department has interviewed more than 120 people whose backgrounds were checked by Shirley but has kept the names secret.

Officials have said they did not recognize any elected officials or politicians on the list, and Shirley’s motive remains unclear.

See Thursday’s Chattanooga Times Free Press for complete coverage.

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