Former Saddle River Police Officer Files Harassment & Discrimination Lawsuit

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Saddle River NJ, a second female former Saddle River police officer has filed a lawsuit alleging a hostile work environment, wrongful termination, and multiple forms of discrimination during her time with the borough’s police department.

Maryan Beskaly, who joined the Saddle River Police Department in May 2022, claims she was fired just weeks before completing her probationary year in April 2023 — despite being previously told that her performance was “up to standard.”

📋 Key Allegations in the Complaint

Filed on April 10, 2025 in New Jersey Superior Court, the complaint includes serious accusations against the department and Police Chief Jason Cosgriff, including:

Gender discrimination
National origin discrimination
Disability discrimination
Failure to accommodate a disability
Retaliation

The lawsuit, filed by attorney Gina Mendola, also claims Beskaly was subjected to offensive comments, unfair treatment, and discriminatory behavior based on her Egyptian heritage and presumed religious background.

🧑‍⚖️ Links to Other Legal Proceedings

Mendola is also representing Sgt. Diana Golonek, a 12-year veteran of the force who has filed a tort notice and is currently undergoing a public disciplinary hearing.

Golonek’s hearing, which includes charges related to altering a probationary officer’s report, is expected to resume April 22 after 32 hours of testimony. Her legal issues escalated after she filed her own intent-to-sue notice against the department.

🚫 Discriminatory Comments & Unequal Treatment

According to Beskaly’s lawsuit:

She was accused of “PMS-ing” and having an emotional demeanor.
A fellow officer advised her to “take testosterone” to perform better and lower her voice.
Officers allegedly complained about “screeching” on her body camera footage.
Beskaly was singled out to work the Ramadan Crescent Moon Lighting, allegedly because of her Egyptian background.
She and Golonek were denied use of safer equipment and were required to wear heavy tasers on belts, despite male officers being allowed carrier vests.
Equipment to recharge body cameras and tasers was stored only in the men’s locker room.

📉 Sudden Termination Without Warning

Despite being told her performance was satisfactory just months prior, Beskaly claims she was suddenly terminated in April 2023 for “not meeting performance standards” — without prior warnings or documentation.

Mendola says previous attempts to settle the complaint out of court were unsuccessful.

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