PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Officials say a Rhode Island State Police trooper who accused his superiors in a lawsuit of pressuring him to alter a job applicant’s background report has returned to work.

Col. James Manni says Lt. Michael Casey returned to full duty on Monday after about 15 months of paid sick leave.

Casey accused senior officers of trying to coerce him into recommending Garrett Demers as a recruit.

Casey also named Manni in the suit because he is the State Police superintendent.

Demers is the son of retired Capt. James Demers.

Casey says Lt. Col. Joseph Philbin ordered him to omit references to interactions Demers had with police. Philbin called the allegations false.