New Jersey: Lesbian detective seeks $2.5 million in damages in homophobic discrimination claim
A New Jersey lesbian detective claims a supervisor sexually harassed her by making homophobic comments and is seeking $2.5 million (£1.1 million) in damages.
Lynn Wehling alleges the harassment by George Chopek started in 2009.
Ms Wehling has worked in Cumberland County’s Organised Crime Bureau since February 2004.
Although she filed reports against her sergeant, she says no action was taken.
She switched to another unit in 2011, but even then, Ms Wehling claims the harassment continued because Mr Chopek is also her next-door neighbour.
The tort alleges that Mr Chopek questioned Ms Wehling about her relationship with a woman who visited her home.
He supposedly saw them through her window and admitted to fantasising about them.
The complaint references one specific incident when both Mr Chopek and Ms Wehling were transporting prisoners to a jail.
He allegedly referred to her as a “guy,” “sir,” and “dude” in front of other staff.
Mr Chopek’s remarks supposedly caused the prisoners to laugh at the female detective, which she says both humiliated her and reduced her authority over them.
