Ford Focus rear brake lights stuck on?

My ZX5 has developed a problem with the rear lights. I discovered that all my center bulbs were burned out and the housing is somewhat melted as if the lights were on for a very long time. Replacing them has no effect as it seems there is no longer any power leading up to the unit at all.

That's when I discovered the bigger problem: When the engine is running/On and car is in PARK, nothing seems amiss. The brake lights (the ones not burned out) function normally. Step on the brake pedal and the lights come on. Release the pedal and the lights go out.

However, when the car is in Drive, Reverse, Neutral, or anything other than PARK, the brake lights are continually on without stepping on the pedal. Only use of the turn signals and emergency flasher interrupts them.

In addition, the cruise control has stopped working. I also have a 2004 Focus ZX3, so I swapped both of the brake pedal switches, but nothing changed. There must be a control module somewhere that is both turning the brake lights on and wrongly telling the cruise control that the brakes are being applied, but I do not know what/where it is. All fuses have been checked. Any ideas?

Thanks - TomR