Lt. Matthew Finck alleges in court papers that Chief Ben Ramos created a hostile work environment.
PALISADES PARK -- A police lieutenant has filed suit against the borough, claiming the former police chief retaliated against him for complying with an FBI subpoena seeking department records, according to a report on NorthJersey.com.
Lt. Matthew Finck alleges in court papers that Chief Ben Ramos, who retired five months ago, had accused Finck of filling a request by the FBI seeking police department documents that included Ramos' expungement record and internal affairs documents, the website reported.
Ramos resigned in 2002 in exchange for dismissal of charges that he assaulted his girlfriend. He underwent a psychiatric evaluation and eventually was reinstated in 2004, according to the report.
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Finck is suing under the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, according to NorthJersey.com. He alleges in the suit that after complying with the FBI subpoena, Ramos threatened him with charges, an investigation and reassigned him to different duties, according to the report.
Earlier this year, the borough voted to suspend Ramos over Finck's harassment claims. The chief retired on disability on June 1.
Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.