N.J. officers
want to block gay harassment probe

Four prominent police officials have asked a New Jersey state judge to stop a Vineland city hall probe into charges that they harassed a fellow officer because he was gay, reported The Daily Journal, which covers the city.

Police Chief Ronald Harvey, Lt. Thomas Romanishin, Lt. Edward Zadroga, and Sgt. Michael Harvey--the chief's son--have been named in the allegations. They filed the counteraction April 24.

According to The Daily Journal, the appeal asks that the city be barred from filing charges against the four, that any mention of the case be removed from their personal files, and that they be reimbursed for attorney fees and court costs.

The court action provides the first on-the-record look into an investigation that began last fall. As the issue concerns government employees, state law bars public disclosure.

Officer Robert L. Colle allegedly filed a complaint last year against the four officers for discrimination and degradation. (The Advocate)