Trooper retires after investigation

MINERAL COUNTY – Richard Hader, a Montana Highway Patrol Trooper who had been with the agency since June 1995, retired abruptly May 1.

Hader was put on paid administrative leave by MHP. The incident was related to an investigation into his job performance, said Anastasia Burton, spokesperson for the Montana Department of Justice.

Trooper Hader is not subject to disciplinary action now that he has opted for retirement, Burton said.

“On April 14, MHP placed Hader on administrative leave pending an investigation into job performance issues,” said John Barnes, director of communications for the Attorney General’s Office.

At the time of the investigation, MHP and the DOJ wouldn’t comment on any alleged wrong doing because of the ongoing investigation.

The investigation is now closed.