The tort notice alleges interference in police affairs.
PEMBERTON TWP. -- The chief of the township's police force could sue township leaders for millions over claims of meddling in law enforcement matters, according to the Burlington County Times.
Pemberton police Chief David Jantas filed a tort notice with the township that names Mayor David Patriarca and Business Administrator Dennis Gonzalez. The notice, obtained via an Open Public Records Act request, claims Gonzalez interfered in routine police procedure, according to the report.
Per the tort notice cited in the report, Jantas claims Gonzalez had a say in time-off requests, scheduling, assignments and more. A Nov. 14 incident involving a modified duty request resulted in a $150,000 lawsuit against the township.
Officer Shannon Sawyer requested a transfer to light duty after learning she was pregnant. She was relieved from patrol duties and told by her supervisors she would handle walk-ins and other administrative tasks. According to previous reports, Gonzalez ruled that Sawyer would either have to use sick or vacation days or go on full duty.
Gonzalez gave Jantas a written reprimand as a result of the disagreement over Sawyer's request, according to the report, which adds that Jantas wrote back saying the disagreement stemmed from a decision made by the business administrator and mayor.
Other incidents cited in the tort notice include patrol officers being kept out of the locker room as the result of a federal lawsuit seeking overtime pay. Township council also approved an ordinance last year that would have created a police position above Jantas', according to the report.
The lawsuit seeks $2.5 million in damages as a result of the claims of harassment and retaliation.
Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.