the staff of the Ridgewood blog
CRESSKILL, NJ — Did a whistleblower complaint about alleged safety violations at a Cresskill-run summer camp—managed by a councilwoman’s relative—ultimately cost the borough’s parks and recreation director his job?
According to a new lawsuit filed in New Jersey Superior Court, Jason Mitchell, who served as Cresskill’s Director of Parks and Recreation since 2020, says yes.
Mitchell claims he was praised for his leadership over various programs, including summer camps, but his efforts to raise red flags about safety and staffing issues at one specific camp—reportedly operated by Beth Savas, a relative of Councilwoman Kathy Savas—were ignored, and eventually led to his demotion and dismissal.
🚨 Allegations at a Glance
In the July 18 lawsuit, Mitchell alleges the following:
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Summer 2021: He noticed recurring issues at the camp run by Beth Savas, including inadequate staff supervision and lack of oversight.
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2023: Problems reportedly worsened, including violations of New Jersey Youth Camp Safety Standards, such as:
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Failing to meet staff-to-child ratios
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Skipping background checks for employees
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Not having protocols in place for releasing children to the correct caregivers
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Mitchell says he reported concerns to both Beth Savas and Borough Administrator Dianne Lavin, who began working with Cresskill in 2023.
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He was allegedly “assured” that Savas wouldn’t return to run the camp due to safety risks. But in 2024, Savas was reinstated.
🏳️🌈 Harassment and Discrimination Claims
The lawsuit goes beyond camp management.
Mitchell says that starting in 2023, he began hearing homophobic comments, especially from then-Mayor Benedict Romeo. The lawsuit notes that Romeo was aware Mitchell’s brother is gay and that offensive comments were made weekly.
When Mitchell complained to Lavin in March 2024, he says he was told Romeo was “old school” and that “nothing would be done to stop the harassment.”
🚫 Retaliation & Firing
After filing complaints about both the camp safety and alleged harassment, Mitchell says:
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He was demoted in April 2024
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In May 2024, he learned Beth Savas would again be running the summer camp
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He objected, citing continued safety concerns, and was met with hostility, exclusion from meetings, and stripped responsibilities
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He was told in July 2024 that he was being fired, with his last day being August 9
💼 What the Lawsuit Demands
Mitchell’s legal team, led by attorney Eva Zelson, claims that Cresskill and Lavin violated the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA)—New Jersey’s whistleblower law—and subjected him to workplace harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.
“Jason Mitchell tried to do the right thing and protect vulnerable children,” said Zelson. “The fact that he was punished for that is a major injustice, and we look forward to fighting for his rights.”
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I hope he wins his suit….even small towns have these issues.
I believe it. I’m sure the village has a few safety concerns. Remember safety was always put on the back burner because it cost money. They’ll spend money on things that make them money you understand. That was their logic until they start getting lawsuits.
There was another director “forced to retire” due to conflicts with mayor Ben Romeo’s son in law – nepotism always at the top in Cresskill