MONROE, La. (AP) — A trial date has been set for a former Louisiana state trooper after state District Court Judge Benjamin Jones determined there was probable cause to proceed.

The News-Star reports former Trooper Ronald Thomas was in court Thursday for a preliminary examination before his upcoming trial on payroll fraud, malfeasance and conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

At the time of his arrest, Superintendent of State Police Mike Edmondson said information during the course of another investigation suggested Thomas might have been involved in illegal activity.

Before his arrest on March 19, Thomas was assigned as the evidence custodian for northern Louisiana investigative operations. The former sergeant is an 18-year veteran of the state police.

Thomas' trial is set to begin June 16.

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