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Bergen County Sheriff’s Officer Files Lawsuit Alleging Discrimination Against Disabled Veterans

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, a Bergen County Sheriff’s Officer has filed a lawsuit claiming systemic discrimination and retaliation by the department’s leadership due to his status as a disabled military veteran. Raymond Aste, a U.S. Marine veteran and law enforcement officer since 2015, alleges that high-ranking officials, including the sheriff, engaged in deliberate efforts to sabotage his career.

Claims of Harassment and Discrimination

Aste, 40, says he faced harassment and a hostile work environment because of injuries and disabilities sustained during his military service in Afghanistan. His lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Bergen County Superior Court, accuses the department of violating state laws, including:

  • The New Jersey Civil Rights Act
  • The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD)
  • The Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA)

The suit names the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Anthony Cureton, Chief Carmel Giustra, and other officials.

Alleged Retaliatory Actions

According to the lawsuit, Aste’s superiors subjected him to:

  • Excessive fitness evaluations aimed at discrediting his capabilities.
  • Fabricated internal affairs charges to justify disciplinary actions.
  • Unwarranted suspensions and reassignment to less desirable positions.
  • Denial of access to essential medical and psychological records needed for treatment.

Aste also claims he was removed from field duties, had his service weapon confiscated, and was reassigned to courthouse duties where he was excessively surveilled and belittled.

Whistleblowing and Escalation

The lawsuit alleges that Aste’s complaints through internal channels only intensified the harassment. He claims the department sought to end his career through fabricated infractions and unwarranted disciplinary measures.

In one instance, a minor misunderstanding during a missing persons case in December 2023 led to a 15-day suspension after he was accused of misconduct for tossing his Velcro badge. Despite apologizing, the incident was escalated into a multi-pronged investigation that included mandatory mental health evaluations.

Medical Evaluations and Financial Burdens

Aste contends that the department enlisted a biased doctor who questioned him about unrelated legal matters and dismissed his claims of discrimination as paranoia. He was required to pay for out-of-pocket treatment sessions and anger management classes. Despite his efforts to comply, Aste alleges that the department withheld critical medical records, further complicating his ability to access care.

Current Status and Legal Action

Aste remains on unpaid leave and asserts that the department continues to create barriers to his reinstatement. He seeks unspecified damages for:

  • Physical pain, including heart palpitations and stomach issues.
  • Mental anguish, such as anxiety and extreme humiliation.
  • Loss of reputation and professional dignity.

Sheriff’s Office Response

The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office and its representatives have declined to comment on the pending litigation. Attorney Daniel Zwillenberg, speaking on behalf of the department, reiterated its policy of non-comment on ongoing legal cases.

Broader Implications

This lawsuit underscores the challenges disabled veterans face when reintegrating into civilian careers. Aste’s case highlights alleged systemic issues within law enforcement agencies regarding workplace discrimination and retaliation.

 

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One thought on “Bergen County Sheriff’s Officer Files Lawsuit Alleging Discrimination Against Disabled Veterans

  1. There should be continuous fitness evaluations at least annually for those whose job requires it such as police and firefighters
    I was at the courthouse recently and judging by the gut on the unfriendly officer doing the security screening it would be appropriate

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