CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — In Eyewitness News'exclusive interview with West Virginia State Police Corporal Joseph Comer, the first time he came forward to reveal he was the author of the anonymous letter which sparked an investigation into the agency, he said he first tried working with the system to air his concerns.

Gov. Jim Justice said if that is the case, it's very troubling Comer had to use outside means when State Police leadership failed him.

When Comer sat down to tell his story to Eyewitness News, the 18-year veteran trooper said he never intended to air his concerns about the agency publicly. Comer said only after reporting his misgivings to upper brass and seeing that nothing was being done did he turn to the anonymous letter which triggered a months-long investigation into the State Police and the conduct of some of its highest-ranking officers.

"I absolutely prayed it never [would] come this far," Comer said. "I prayed that, I prayed again that there were individuals that were in positions of power and authority that could have stopped this the very second that it was heard. I mean, we took an oath of office and the minute that this, the severity of these things were heard, at the very least there should have been a question of validity."

During his administration briefing, Justice said if the system designed to protect troopers like Comer failed, that's yet another black eye for the agency.

"The biggest part of the problem is with someone brought issues or problems to somebody who was a superior and nothing was done, and or it was covered up, that becomes a bigger problem than maybe the acts themselves," Justice said.

Thus far, the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security investigation has led to a single resignation, that of former State Police Superintendent Jan Cahill. Additionally, two high-ranking officers, Maj. James Findley and Maj. Shallon Oglesby, have been transferred to other duties and are now serving as first lieutenants.

No other moves have been announced. However, Justice said he is pleased with the pace of the inquiry.

"We've got to be patient enough to give the man [WVSP Interim Supt. Jack Chambers]his due and time to be able to get to the bottom of it and to get to the bottom of it correctly," Justice said. "I've got absolute confidence in Jack Chambers and I know he'll do right. I know that."

Comer said he believes there are still people within the agency who can turn things around.

"For Col. Chambers, he's got quite a selection of wonderful men and women that are more than capable of doing this job and cleaning this mess up and putting integrity back into the agency," Comer said.

As he has many times during the investigation, Justice said while looking for wrongdoing which must be addressed, don't forget that the vast majority of troopers and the agency's civilian workers perform their duties honorably and are committed to serving and protecting every West Virginian.