🚨 PHILLIPSBURG POLICE OFFICER FILES LAWSUIT ALLEGING YEARS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT BY CO-WORKERS

PHILLIPSBURG, NJ — A Phillipsburg police officer is suing the Town of Phillipsburg, the Phillipsburg Police Department, a police sergeant and another officer, alleging she was subjected to years of sexual harassment, inappropriate touching, rumors and retaliation, according to a lawsuit filed August 10.

Officer Haley Fitzpatrick, described in the complaint as the town’s first and only female police officer, alleges that the harassment began even before she officially joined the department.

According to the lawsuit, a police captain warned members of the predominantly male department not to flirt with Fitzpatrick, have sexual relations with her or make inappropriate comments toward her.

The complaint alleges that after Fitzpatrick joined the department, she was subjected to sexual comments and remarks about her being a woman. One alleged incident involved a fellow officer placing his hand between Fitzpatrick’s thighs while they were reviewing body-camera footage. The lawsuit states that Fitzpatrick slapped the officer’s hand away, and he laughed.

The complaint also alleges that co-workers questioned Fitzpatrick about her personal relationships and sexual orientation and spread rumors about alleged relationships between her and other officers.

Fitzpatrick reportedly brought her concerns to supervisors but alleges she was repeatedly dismissed and told that certain behavior was simply “just” the individual’s personality.

According to the lawsuit, the alleged harassment eventually affected Fitzpatrick’s ability to work. The complaint states that she began calling out of work, staying in her vehicle and hiding in a locker room to avoid certain co-workers.

Another incident cited in the lawsuit allegedly occurred on May 9, when an officer offered Fitzpatrick roast beef and asked, “Do you want some of my meat?”

Fitzpatrick reported the comment to a superior sergeant, according to the complaint. An internal affairs investigation was subsequently conducted and allegedly determined that the sergeant violated department policy prohibiting discrimination and harassment in connection with that incident.

However, the lawsuit states that several of Fitzpatrick’s other allegations were determined to be “not sustained” following the internal investigation because of insufficient evidence.

Fitzpatrick is now alleging that she was subjected to a hostile work environment based on sex and perceived sexual orientation, as well as retaliation.

The lawsuit names the Town of Phillipsburg, Phillipsburg Police Department, a police sergeant and another officer as defendants. Fitzpatrick is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, attorney’s fees, costs, interest and other relief. She has also requested a jury trial.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: The allegations contained in the lawsuit are claims made by the plaintiff and have not been proven in court. The defendants are entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence regarding any alleged wrongdoing.

📍 Garden State News Network will continue to follow this case as additional information becomes available.