An Indiana State Police trooper was fired after admitting to having a relationship with a 17-year-old girl, WXIN reported.

>> Read more trending news

Ryan Starnes was terminated effective Feb. 28, the Indianapolis Star reported, citing state police documents.

Starnes, a senior trooper in the state police’s Bloomington district, was dismissed after the parents of the teen complained that the trooper continued the relationship after learning she was 17, the newspaper reported.

"A complaint was made to us, we followed up on the complaint, we substantiated the complaint, and we terminated the employee," Indiana State Police Capt. Dave Bursten told the Star.

Starnes has until next week to file an appeal, WTTV reported.

About the Author

Keep Reading

A Korean Air plane takes off from Incheon International Airport in South Korea on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. The plane is chartered to bring back Korean workers detained in an immigration raid in Georgia. (Yonhap via AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com