the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Carlstadt NJ, a Carlstadt Public Works employee, Jason Dechert, has filed a lawsuit in New Jersey Superior Court, claiming he was targeted, harassed, and disciplined due to his political differences with elected officials.
The lawsuit, submitted on February 12, names the Borough of Carlstadt, the Public Works Department, Mayor and Council, Borough Attorney Joseph Donahue, and hearing officer Benjamin Choi as defendants.
Allegations of Retaliation and Hostile Work Environment
According to the lawsuit, Dechert claims he fell out of political favor with the mayor and council after reporting several alleged unlawful activities, including accusations that Carlstadt Fire Department members improperly received length of service award payments.
The lawsuit asserts that Carlstadt and its Public Works Department are “vicariously responsible for all the negligent, reckless, and illegal acts” carried out against Dechert.
Harassment & False Allegations
Dechert, who has worked for the department since October 2014, describes a hostile work environment filled with:
- Verbal and physical threats aimed at provoking him into violent confrontations
- Covert statements and text messages designed to anger him
- False allegations about his work performance to damage his reputation
- Planted defamatory materials, including notes and photos in public view at the DPW
- Unjust disciplinary actions despite being protected under collective bargaining agreements
As a result, Dechert says he suffered from stress, anxiety, and emotional trauma.
Disciplinary Actions & Unfair Treatment
Dechert alleges that his attempts to take leave under workers’ compensation and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) were met with resistance. When his daughter was born in February 2021, several council members expressed frustration over his use of FMLA leave, according to the lawsuit.
The tension escalated following an August 17, 2023, workplace altercation between Dechert and another DPW employee. After a verbal dispute turned physical, Dechert was suspended, while the other employee faced no disciplinary action.
Allegations of Due Process Violations
The lawsuit claims that:
- Dechert was immediately suspended after refusing an alcohol test, despite not being intoxicated.
- Borough Attorney Joseph Donahue allegedly instructed DPW Director Joe Crifasi to fire Dechert without regard for his legal rights.
- Dechert was never informed of his right to have legal representation during the investigation.
- The hearing officer, Benjamin Choi, did not recommend firing Dechert, yet he still faced severe disciplinary measures.
In September 2023, a Loudermill hearing was held, allowing Dechert to present his side of the story. Although Choi found no evidence of intoxication, he still recommended suspending Dechert for up to six months without pay or benefits.
What’s Next?
The lawsuit seeks to hold Carlstadt officials accountable for alleged political retaliation, wrongful disciplinary actions, and workplace harassment. While Carlstadt Borough Clerk Claire Foy declined to comment, the case raises serious concerns about workplace fairness, political bias, and due process violations.
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Sounds like the village
I seen so much harassment and retaliation in the Village Of Ridgewood, and all comes from up top. That’s where it starts. The troublemakers, storytellers, they are listening to the wrong employees that give them information, a.k.a. the rats the ones thinking that they’re going to get a feather in their cap, or a pat on your back, you’re not getting shit. Stupid assholes.
Those grapes were probably sour anyway, eh?
Typical Carlstadt