Facebook Postings Cost Indiana Trooper

INDIANAPOLIS --

An Indiana state trooper has resigned following an investigation into postings on a social networking Web site in which he referred to himself as a "garbage man," called those he arrests "trash" and bragged about heavy drinking.

Christopher Pestow resigned Wednesday before Superintendent Paul Whitesell could enter a final finding and order, state police said in a news release.

Police began an investigation after discovering questionable entries on Pestow's Facebook.com page. They also were investigating whether he had posted any of the material while he was on duty.

Some of the entries showed Pestow with a .357 Magnum pointed at his head and drinking beer with friends. He also posted pictures of a crash involving his police cruiser and wrote that a person who resists arrest and threatens police officers would "probably end up shot."

Pestow was investigated on allegations of conduct unbecoming an officer, violation of department policy and improper use of department equipment.

He had been assigned to administrative duties pending the investigation.

No phone listing for him was available. His Facebook page has been removed.