Chief Thomas Baxter was implicated in a lawsuit filed by Officer John Cicchetti, who alleged that Baxter, along with Undersheriff John Dempsey, failed to address a hostile work environment. Cicchetti reported numerous incidents of harassment, including verbal abuse and physical intimidation, starting in November 1998. Despite formal complaints in April 2000, the response from Baxter […]
Undersheriff John Dempsey was named in a lawsuit filed by Officer John Cicchetti, who alleged that Dempsey failed to act on complaints of harassment and permitted a hostile work environment. Cicchetti reported over seventy-five incidents of harassment dating back to November 1998, including verbal abuse, taunting, and physical intimidation. Despite Cicchetti’s formal complaints in April […]
In June 2023, Lt. Elijah Moore created a hostile work environment by targeting a specific officer, spreading false rumors, and accusing them of stealing time. An investigation determined Moore’s accusations were false, and he was untruthful during his interview. Moore was suspended for 45 days for creating a hostile work environment. ## Officer Forum Links: […]
On June 15, 2023, Sheriff’s Officer Richard Coppinger reported late for work at the Monmouth County Courthouse. He appeared disheveled and unsteady while in uniform and carrying his service weapon. Tests determined a blood-alcohol content of 0.22%, and he admitted to consuming 12 beers the previous night. A drug screening also tested positive for THC. […]
On January 23, 2023, Corrections Officer Latonya Johnson was arrested and criminally charged with providing an electronic communication device to an inmate, resulting in a security breach at the jail. She was immediately suspended and subsequently forfeited her employment on October 16, 2023, following a court order. ## Officer Forum Links: – [Latonya Johnson](https://watchaudits.com/forums/topic/latonya-johnson/)
On December 30, 2022, Corrections Officer Benjamin Markus was found in possession of a mobile phone in a secure area of the Monmouth County Jail, resulting in a security breach. He was suspended for 30 days. Additionally, on December 16, 2022, Markus disclosed an internal report containing confidential information to an unauthorized person, leading to […]
On September 25, 2022, Corrections Officer Stephanie Welch was found in violation of the uniform policy. When ordered by her superior to correct the issue, she refused and behaved unprofessionally. As a result, she was suspended for 10 days for unprofessional behavior. ## Officer Forum Links: – [Stephanie Welch](https://watchaudits.com/forums/topic/stephanie-welch/)
In 2015, a lawsuit alleged that the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office failed to follow required investigative procedures in a case involving the death of an individual in custody. The claim suggested a cover-up to shield officers from discipline or criminal liability. ## Officer Forum Links: – [Unnamed Officers](https://watchaudits.com/forums/topic/unnamed-officers-27/)
Retired Sheriff’s Officer Joseph Iko was awarded $885,000 in a lawsuit alleging harassment and emotional distress over several years. The lawsuit claimed that the department’s leadership ignored his complaints, leading to significant emotional distress. ## Officer Forum Links: – [Joseph Iko](https://watchaudits.com/forums/topic/joseph-iko/)
In 1985, Officer Gary W. Warford was removed from attending the Middlesex County Police Academy after filing a grievance regarding mileage reimbursement. The action was found to be retaliatory, violating the New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations Act. ## Officer Forum Links: – [Gary W. Warford](https://watchaudits.com/forums/topic/gary-w-warford/)
In 2020, Sergeant Luis Suarez was suspended for 10 days after falsely reporting himself as sick to attend a wedding. Despite his appeal, the suspension was upheld, with the court finding the penalty appropriate given the circumstances. ## Officer Forum Links: – [Luis Suarez](https://watchaudits.com/forums/topic/luis-suarez/)
In 2014, Officer Philip S. Mandato was suspended for four days for placing a ‘nail of redemption’ in the holding cells of the main courthouse. The suspension was upheld despite his appeal, as the action was deemed a violation of the department’s rules pertaining to performance of duty. ## Officer Forum Links: – [Philip S. […]
In 2020, Officer Gregg received two suspensions for failing to comply with Mercer County Sheriff’s Office orders related to staff reduction schedules. On July 8, 2020, he was suspended for six days due to unauthorized tardiness and non-compliance with procedures. Subsequently, in September 2020, he received a twelve-day suspension for similar infractions. These actions were […]
In 2012, Officer Kelsey faced disciplinary action for insubordination and conduct unbecoming of a public employee. During an internal affairs interview regarding a dress code violation, Kelsey exhibited unprofessional behavior, including arguing with officers, refusing to cooperate, and declining to sign acknowledgment documents. His prior disciplinary history included a seven-day suspension in 2007 for leaving […]
On August 20, 2022, off-duty Officer Sickler, visibly intoxicated, entered the Bordentown Best Western hotel lobby and directed anti-Semitic slurs at a guest. This escalated into a physical altercation where Sickler assaulted the guest. He was charged with disorderly conduct and suspended without pay. Additionally, in February 2023, Sickler was arrested for a domestic violence […]
