An Iowa State Patrolman placed on paid leave in January after being accused of using state computers to forward an e-mail that included police mug shots of individuals wearing Barack Obama campaign t-shirts may soon be off the force.

Sgt. Rodney Hicok, 46 of Fort Dodge, was disciplined earlier this year for distributing an e-mail that included photographs officials believe originated from the Smoking Gun Web site. The e-mail message, which was sent with a subject line of “the new fashion statement for mugshots,” contained a note which read: “I’ve seen some ‘unique individuals’ aka SHITHEADS wearing these type of shirts myself He has quite a fan base. Nice to know that the low-lifes are getting involved in politics right now.”

Hicok was alleged to have forwarded the e-mail while on duty and from a state e-mail account, which is a violation of department policy. He was placed on leave at the time, pending an investigation. State officials noted at the time that, if Hicok was found guilty, he could be fired.

“As the agency that is charged with enforcing laws and protecting the public, State Troopers are held to a higher standard,” said Colonel Patrick Hoye, chief of the Iowa State Patrol.

State officials began firing procedures on May 20, following the conclusion of their internal investigation into this matter as well as an additional suspension of Hicok in April for reasons that have not been made public.