A veteran police officer in Bergen County claims in court papers he was retaliated against and denied a promotion after reporting alleged misconduct, harassment and discriminatory behavior by borough and police department officials.
Sgt. Anthony Balistrieri, who has served with the Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department since 2001 and is a U.S. Army veteran, filed the lawsuit on June 20 in Bergen County Superior Court.
According to the complaint, Balistrieri submitted paperwork to the borough for several years documenting incidents he believed violated borough policy, state law or public policy.
Instead of investigating his claims, he alleges, officials targeted him with retaliatory actions.
The suit alleges violations of New Jersey’s Conscientious Employee Protection Act and accuses borough officials of creating a hostile work environment and blocking his career advancement because of his internal complaints.
Ho-Ho-Kus officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday.
In his complaint, the sergeant outlines a series of incidents involving alleged discrimination and retaliation within the police department.
According to the suit, a former police chief and a captain frequently referred to Balistrieri using the slur “angry Italian,” dismissing his concerns about unequal treatment.
The lawsuit claims the supervisors not only ignored his complaints but also sought to discipline him based on accusations that were unsupported by facts.
In 2021, Balistrieri was allegedly passed over for a promotion to captain despite being more qualified than the officer who received the job.
The complaint says the selected candidate was younger, had fewer commendations and a history of more absences.
The lawsuit alleges the promotion process violated local ordinances, which mandate that military experience and seniority be weighed — both factors that would have benefited Balistrieri’s candidacy.
The suit describes an incident in which a police administrator allegedly made a racially insensitive remark to a Korean-American officer on the night of his swearing-in ceremony.
In addition to the inappropriate comment, the same administrator bypassed Balistrieri for a coveted internal affairs training assignment, instead choosing a less experienced detective with less seniority, the lawsuit says.
Another incident centered on what Balistrieri calls a retaliatory response after he disciplined an officer who was considered close to department leadership.
Shortly after issuing that discipline, supervisors accused Balistrieri of being AWOL—absent without leave. Balistrieri contends he had properly informed his supervisor of his schedule in advance and denies any wrongdoing.
The lawsuit also alleges Borough Administrator William Jones yelled at Balistrieri in retaliation for filing grievances, shared the contents of confidential harassment reports and stated his intent to block the officer from future promotions.
One employee who allegedly informed Balistrieri about Jones’ comments was later terminated, the lawsuit says.
Jones did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit.
Balistrieri’s lawsuit claims systemic bias and retaliatory actions undermined his career and contributed to a hostile work environment.
Balistrieri is seeking damages and a formal review of departmental practices related to promotions, assignments and disciplinary procedures.
Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com.