Three New York State Troopers in Western New York are suspended without pay as information surfaces about connections with a prostitution ring. As YNN's Ryan Whalen reports, the investigation is centered on a trooper from Buffalo.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. — Three New York State Troopers with Western New York ties were suspended without pay Thursday as information surfaced about connections with a prostitution ring. New York State Police said the ongoing investigation which led to to the suspensions started in December 2011.

Trooper Titus Taggart is accused of organizing parties, while off-duty, which may have involved the promotion of prostitution.

He was assigned to Troop T Buffalo. New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association President Thomas Mungeer said he went to the academy with Taggart 19 years ago.

"From what I remember, he was a quite unassuming person at that time. I haven't really followed his career," he said.

Two other troopers from Troop T Henrietta were also suspended without pay. State Police said Jeremy C. Smith and Michael L. Petritz were not involved in organizing the parties in question, but are accused of engaging in misconduct. The troopers have served for ten and eight years respectively.

"For the last couple of years, of course, we've been in the paper probably a little too much for the conduct of some of our former bosses and what have you. You hate to see the State Police in a bad light," Mungeer said,

He said the association is not usually involved in off-duty conduct of officers but would provide representation if there is an administrative hearing.

No arrests have been made so far.

Three New York State Troopers in Western New York are suspended without pay as information surfaces about connections with a prostitution ring. As YNN's Ryan Whalen reports, the investigation is centered on a trooper from Buffalo.