A New Jersey sheriff’s deputy intends to sue the Passaic County jail where she is employed.
A New Jersey sheriff’s deputy intends to sue the Passaic County jail where she is employed. 41-year-old Nicole Staso has allegedly experienced years of workplace sexual harassment. Additionally, she feels that the jail unfairly rescinded a recent promotion.
Staso became a detective in the department’s Community Release Center, but was demoted just two hours later as a result of false accusations concerning her personal life and conduct.
Staso was hired as a correctional police officer at the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office in May 2017. In her recent legal notice, she asserts that she has consistently been the target of sexual harassment from fellow employees.
Before she was hired by the county, Staso was employed by Senator John A. Girgenti as a legislative aide. She maintained strong connections with charitable organizations like Meals on Wheels, Eva’s Village, and OASIS for Women and Children.
Gina Mendola Longarzo represents Nicole Staso, and says that the deputy’s “abrupt demotion came after years of being repeatedly subjected to jokes, rumors and innuendos in the workplace,” The “false rumors about her sexual activities throughout her employment,” took a toll as Staso was accused of giving a coworker a lap dance and was suspended for “seditious” conduct.
Multiple male corrections officers viewed these false claims as invitations to sexually harass Staso. As this misconduct became detrimental to her career and mental health, the sheriff’s deputy made multiple formal complaints. Still, no corrective action has been taken.
Staso’s legal notice states that county supervisors were concerned “the ongoing false rumors would hurt” local Sheriff’s Office Chief Thomas Adamo’s run for sheriff. This fear led to the loss of her promotion.
A Passaic County representative declined to comment and stated that the county cannot speak in regards to pending litigation.
Authors: Alexis Kabat and Andy Goldwasser
