A veteran of the U.S. Air Force and long-time law enforcement officer is taking the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) to court. Sheriff’s Officer Joseph Campolattaro has filed a sweeping lawsuit alleging discrimination, retaliation, and a “hostile work environment” that he claims derailed his career after a mental health crisis.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, the lawsuit names Sheriff Anthony Cureton, Chief Carmelo Giustra, and Captain Tasharah Windley as defendants, sparking questions about the treatment of disabled veterans within New Jersey’s law enforcement agencies.
A Battle for Reinstatement
The legal conflict stems from an incident in April 2023, when Campolattaro experienced a mental health crisis. Following the event, the Sheriff’s Office moved to terminate his employment. However, the Civil Service Commission stepped in, labeling the firing an “excessive form of punishment” and ordering his reinstatement in early 2024.
Despite this legal victory, Campolattaro claims his return to duty has been intentionally sabotaged. The suit alleges:
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Withheld Benefits: Failure to provide back pay, lost sick time, and medical insurance.
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Licensure Interference: Alleged tactics to stall his Police Training Commission (PTC) license renewal.
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Isolation: Being forced to remain out of uniform and denied access to county vehicles.
“Ingrained Hatred”: Serious Allegations Against Leadership
The lawsuit contains troubling allegations regarding the culture within the BCSO. Campolattaro’s attorney, Eric Kleiner, describes a pattern of “excessive marginalization” and “isolation” intended to terrorize the officer.
Among the most shocking claims in the filing:
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Harassment: Capt. Tasharah Windley allegedly told Campolattaro in 2020 that he had the appearance of someone who wanted to “bomb synagogues.”
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Targeting Veterans: The suit accuses leadership of “attacking Caucasian armed forces veterans who are handicapped,” citing “hatred and jealousy” of their service.
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Surveillance: Claims that supervisors engaged in constant surveillance to exert “ultimate control” over Campolattaro’s life.
“At least one superior believes that she actually owns him like a piece of property,” Kleiner stated regarding the alleged treatment of his client.
Lack of Medical Coverage Leads to VA Treatment
The financial and physical toll of the dispute became literal in September 2024. Just days after his scheduled return to work, Campolattaro was reportedly struck by a van.
Because the Sheriff’s Office had allegedly failed to reinstate his health insurance—despite the court order—the veteran was forced to seek treatment at a Veterans Affairs (VA) facility rather than using his primary employment benefits.
What This Means for Bergen County
As of this report, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office has not issued a formal response to the litigation. This case highlights a growing national conversation regarding:
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Mental Health in Law Enforcement: How agencies handle officers who seek help or experience crises.
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Veteran Rights: The protections afforded to those who have served in the military and move into civil service.
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Accountability: The oversight of high-ranking officials like Sheriff Cureton and his executive staff.
Case Summary
| Feature | Details |
| Plaintiff | Officer Joseph Campolattaro (Air Force Veteran) |
| Key Defendants | Sheriff Anthony Cureton, Capt. Tasharah Windley |
| Core Allegations | Disability Discrimination, Retaliation, Hostile Work Environment |
| Legal Status | Filed in Bergen County / Reinstated by Civil Service Commission |
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