N.J. State Police lieutenant, sergeant accused in sexual assault and harassment suit are suspended
By Chris Megerian/Statehouse Bureau
January 08, 2010, 3:15PM
TRENTON -- Two State Police officers named in a lawsuit alleging sexual harrassment and assault have been suspended indefinitely, a spokesman said today.
Lt. Thomas King and Sgt. Christine Shallcross were suspended without pay at the end of last month pending the outcome of an internal investigation, Sgt. Stephen Jones said.
A file photo of the New Jersey State Police logo.
Trooper Alexis Hayes accused King, a 26-year veteran, of assaulting and impregnating her. She also said Shallcross, a 14-year veteran, sexually harassed her during and after academy training.
In her lawsuit, filed last month in U.S. District Court in Camden, Hayes, 29, said King got her drunk, obtained a key to her hotel room and assaulted her during an April assignment with other troopers in Pittsburgh.
At the time, King was Hayes’ commanding officer in a tactical patrol unit that handles traffic enforcement.
Hayes became pregnant but had an abortion, according to the lawsuit. Despite her moral opposition to the practice, "she could not bear the thought of having a child by King," the lawsuit reads.
During her academy training, Hayes allegedly was harassed by Shallcross, then an instructor there. After Hayes graduated, Shallcross allegedly made advances by whispering in her ear and kissing her on the cheek, the suit contends.
Until her suspension, Shallcross was assigned to the investigations bureau.
Hayes has been on paid sick leave since August after suffering a nervous breakdown, her lawyer, William Buckman, has said.
Her seven-count lawsuit asks for a trial by jury and an independent monitor to oversee the State Police’s internal affairs unit.
Jim Gaffigan, president of the Non-Commissioned Officers Association, which represents sergeants, declined to comment today.
A message left for Steve Sternik, president of the State Troopers Superior Officers Association, which represents lieutenants, was not returned.
Jones declined to comment on the status or contents of the investigation.
Buckman has previously said Pennsylvania authorities are conducting a criminal investigation into the alleged sexual assault in Pittsburgh.
He did not return a call requesting comment today.
3 comments:
Sometimes the wheels of justice turn slowly, but they eventually do turn. Hopefully the media attention brought to this case will result in a thorough investigation and those who violated their authority will finally be brought to justice. **cg7304**
yes there was something wrong with the two girls and what occured. I also think there are many police state troopers fbi whichever it may be that may have similar or if not worse scinerios
I;m glad both of the officers was suspended without pay. About time they are setting an exmaple. SJC 1687
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