Deputy Ash was counseled to cease all contact with a female colleague after being implicated in spreading rumors and making unwanted advances. Despite this, he continued to contact her, including sending emails professing his love and leaving a voicemail at 2 a.m. expressing his feelings. His actions contributed to a hostile work environment, leading to […]
In 2001, Deputy Hutchins received a written reprimand for making inappropriate comments to a female colleague, including telling her on three occasions that she had a ‘nice ass.’ This behavior was part of a broader pattern of sexual harassment within the department, leading to internal investigations and disciplinary actions against multiple officers. ## Officer Forum […]
C.O. Stephen Ferriter was on duty during the afternoon of June 30, 2006, when inmate DiCamillo was found unresponsive in his cell. Upon discovering DiCamillo’s condition, C.O. Ferriter and other staff attempted resuscitation efforts, but the inmate was pronounced dead shortly after. A lawsuit alleged that the collective negligence of the Herkimer County Sheriff’s Office […]
On June 30, 2006, C.O. Joan Smith, serving as the medical officer on duty, responded to inmate DiCamillo’s complaints of swollen ankles and lethargy. Despite noting his symptoms and consulting with a nurse practitioner, C.O. Smith did not take further action to address his deteriorating condition. DiCamillo was later found unresponsive and pronounced dead. A […]
On June 30, 2006, C.O. Jared Popiel was on duty when inmate DiCamillo experienced multiple falls and exhibited signs of medical distress. C.O. Popiel assisted DiCamillo after a fall at 7:20 a.m. and noted his complaints about swollen ankles. Despite these incidents, DiCamillo did not receive adequate medical attention and was later found unresponsive, leading […]
C.O. Michael Ortlieb was involved in the events leading to inmate DiCamillo’s death on June 30, 2006. He observed DiCamillo’s falls and complaints of swollen ankles but did not ensure he received appropriate medical care. During his shift, DiCamillo fell multiple times, and C.O. Ortlieb’s responses were deemed inadequate in addressing the inmate’s medical needs. […]
In December 2017, Correctional Officer (C.O.) Sheppard was accused by an inmate of inappropriate conduct during a routine pat search, including allegations of making ‘low sounds’ and touching the inmate’s chest and buttocks. The inmate claimed this behavior caused humiliation and mental anxiety. An internal investigation by the Herkimer County Sheriff’s Office deemed the allegations […]
In 2016, Sheriff Carpinelli was named in a lawsuit filed by former dispatcher Michelle Widrick, who alleged she was terminated without a grievance hearing, violating her rights under the collective bargaining agreement. The lawsuit sought a court order requiring the county to hold a grievance hearing regarding her termination, highlighting issues related to due process […]
In 2015, Sheriff Carpinelli was involved in a case where Deputy Daryl Ortlieb alleged he was forced to resign under threat of termination without a predisciplinary hearing, violating Civil Service Law § 75. The court concluded that the Sheriff abused his discretion in refusing to allow the withdrawal of the resignation, leading to the Deputy’s […]
Deputy Roberts was named in a lawsuit alleging that, beginning in 2000, he engaged in a pattern of harassment against female employees. The allegations included making daily offensive comments about their appearance, referring to them with derogatory terms like ‘cute bitches,’ ‘ugly bitches,’ and ‘fat bitches,’ and making disparaging remarks about their age, weight, and […]
Deputy Rumble was implicated in a lawsuit alleging that, starting in 2000, he participated in a campaign of harassment against female employees. The allegations included making daily offensive comments about their appearance, using derogatory terms such as ‘cute bitches,’ ‘ugly bitches,’ and ‘fat bitches,’ and making disparaging remarks about their age, weight, and dress. These […]
In 2000, Undersheriff LaDuc was accused of engaging in a campaign of harassment against female employees, including daily offensive comments about their appearance, condescending remarks, and disparaging comments referring to female workers as ‘cute bitches,’ ‘ugly bitches,’ and ‘fat bitches.’ He also allegedly recommended that a female employee wear a uniform instead of ‘street’ clothes, […]
In 2014, a correction officer was suspended for 45 days without pay for attending a social event hosted by the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. The department determined that his attendance brought disrepute to the Sheriff’s Office and violated departmental rules regarding conduct unbecoming of an officer and consorting with persons of ill repute. ## Officer […]
In 2000, a lawsuit was filed by an officer alleging that the Sheriff’s Department violated his First Amendment rights by disciplining him for an unauthorized television appearance. The officer claimed that the department’s actions were retaliatory and infringed on his freedom of speech. The court granted summary judgment on some claims but allowed others to […]
In 2012, Correction Officer Janice O’Dell filed a lawsuit alleging she was subjected to harassment, discrimination, and retaliation based on her sex and association with African Americans. She claimed she was falsely charged with internal disciplinary and criminal charges after refusing to resign. The lawsuit detailed instances of inappropriate behavior by supervisors and colleagues, including […]
