A Connecticut State Police trooper has been fired following an investigation into inappropriate text messages that were allegedly exchanged with a student at the school where he worked as a school resource officer.
Trooper First Class Timothy Haroian was terminated on Dec. 30, 2025, after an internal affairs investigation was completed, a state police spokesperson said in a statement issued Thursday.
“When the initial accusations were brought forward, it was the priority of the Connecticut State Police to immediately remove Haroian from his position as an SRO in order to protect any potential victim and other students,” state police said. “Leading up to his termination Haroian reported to work in a non-patrol, paid administrative capacity.
“As this matter involves a potential minor victim, the Connecticut State Police have followed all laws protecting minor victims,” state police continued Thursday. “These laws limit the release of some case information in order to protect the identity and well-being of any minor victim involved.”
Police began investigating following the report that Haroian had an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old student at Vinal Technical High School where he was an SRO. Following a criminal investigation, he was not charged.
The girl’s mother reportedly told authorities that she thought prosecution would negatively affect the teen, according to a letter from the Middletown State’s Attorney Michael Gailor to the investigating trooper. Gailor said he would reconsider charges if the family’s position changed or if any evidence of sexual contact was discovered.
According to the criminal investigation report, Haroian’s estranged wife reported the allegations to Cromwell police. She said she filed for a divorce and suspected that he was having an affair with a student at Vinal Technical, the report said.
When a state police investigator spoke to the teen and her family, they initially denied any kind of inappropriate relationship between the girl and Haroian, the report said. The investigator asked to see the girl’s phone and found that Haroian’s number was allegedly in the contacts under the name “Olivia,” according to the report. She told the police investigator she put his number under that name because she did not want other students to get the wrong idea.
“I then observed several inappropriate texts between Haroia and (the teen),” the investigator wrote.
State police later examined the phone more thoroughly and allegedly discovered a text message in which the girl said it was hard for her to “pull away” from their hugs, the report said.
“I feel the same,” Haroian allegedly responded, the report said. “I always want to hold on a little longer but don’t want it to be weird.”
“Get unmarried so you (sic) we can make our dreams come true,” the girl allegedly later said in response.
Investigators also discovered additional messages that allegedly showed Haroian and the girl discussing their future life together, according to the report. Multiple messages were also allegedly sexual in nature and some included revealing photos the girl had taken of herself, the report said.
In the messages, the pair used names like “honey,” “babe” and “babyboo” to describe each other, according to the report.
After closing the case, Gailor advised the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to “take whatever administrative action it deems appropriate,” his letter states.
“Connecticut State Troopers that serve as School Resource Officers are dedicated to upholding the highest ethical standards in all of their interactions with students, staff, and parents,” state police said Thursday. “Their role is to protect and support students while building trust. Every interaction should be guided by integrity, respect, and professionalism. Any personnel who do not meet this standard have no place within the Connecticut State Police.”