The state trooper behind the abuse-of-power investigations of Gov. Sarah Palin is getting a reassignment after troopers received threatening telephone calls from Alaskans and outside the state.

Public Safety Union officials say Mike Wooten has been on desk duty for his own safety in recent weeks since troopers began receiving hostile calls. Union director John Cyr says Wooten takes on a new role effective Sunday.

Troopers spokeswoman Megan Peters says Wooten will be reassigned to the judicial services bureau in Anchorage.

Wooten was involved in a contentious divorce from Palin's sister. Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee, denies booting out her public safety commissioner because he wouldn't fire Wooten.

Palin was cleared of ethics violations by the state personnel board last week. A separate legislative investigation concluded Palin abused her office by allowing her husband and staffers to pressure the commissioner to fire Wooten.