Judge denies N.J. trooper’s request for back pay

TRENTON — A New Jersey state trooper who was found not guilty of vehicular homicide in a crash that killed two teenage sisters shouldn't get back pay for the time he was suspended, a judge has ruled.

Administrative Law Judge Bruce Gorman rejected Trooper Robert Higbee's request in a ruling issued Wednesday. The decision will be reviewed by state police Superintendent Rick Fuentes, who makes the final decision.

Higbee sought payment for the 27 months and 12 days he was suspended after the September 2006 crash in Cape May County's Upper Township. He was accused of running a stop sign while pursuing a speeder with his lights and siren off. A jury cleared him in 2009.

State police union officials estimate Higbee's lost wages at $150,000, not including benefits.

— AP