the staff of the Ridgewood blog
HO-HO-KUS, NJ — A longtime Ho-Ho-Kus police officer has filed a lawsuit against the borough, alleging that he endured a hostile work environment and retaliation after raising concerns about legal and procedural violations within the police department.
The lawsuit, filed on June 20, was brought by Detective Sergeant Anthony Balistrieri, who has served with the Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department since 2001 and is also a U.S. Army veteran.
🔎 Allegations of Harassment and Retaliation
In the legal filing, Balistrieri claims that he was harassed for several years and that former Police Chief Christopher Minchin and Captain Anthony Grego failed to act on his complaints. According to the suit, Balistrieri was referred to as “the angry Italian” and faced retaliatory disciplinary actions for speaking out.
Among the complaints:
-
Being passed over for promotion despite superior experience, seniority, and a recent robbery apprehension.
-
His military service and achievements were allegedly ignored during the promotion process.
-
He claimed a less qualified officer involved in a car accident was promoted ahead of him.
-
Disciplinary warnings were placed in his personnel file that he alleges were unfounded.
🧑⚖️ Lawsuit Names Borough, Officials, and Raises Discrimination Claims
The suit names several current and former borough officials, including:
-
Borough Administrator William Jones, whom Balistrieri accuses of failing to maintain confidentiality and blocking promotion opportunities.
-
Police Chief Mike LaCroix, who allegedly made racially insensitive remarks toward a Korean-American officer.
-
Captain Brian McBain, who allegedly filed an Internal Affairs complaint as retaliation.
Balistrieri claims the borough failed to provide required Internal Affairs training and mishandled complaints related to harassment and promotions.
🏛️ Borough Responds: “No Merit”
In a statement, Borough Administrator William Jones pushed back on the allegations:
“The borough has yet to be formally served and has not had a chance to review the allegations in full detail… From our initial review, they have absolutely no merit, and we look forward to defending this matter in court.”
Jones also emphasized the borough’s promotion process:
“Promotions are based on merit and fitness, not baseless accusations. This lawsuit is an insult to the dedicated men and women of the Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department.”
📋 What’s Next?
The lawsuit adds to ongoing scrutiny of workplace culture within municipal police departments, particularly in small-town settings like Ho-Ho-Kus. Legal proceedings are expected to bring further attention to internal practices, transparency, and disciplinary procedures.
Suck it up!
I’m guessing its not a civil service department
I guess he needs boat money.
No civil service in that town.
No civil service in Ho-Ho-Kus, chiefs test…The old boys network/buddy system where only the annointed and suck ups advance at the expense more qualified working cops who are motivated and out there everyday doing there job instead of hiding in headquarters politicking & bootlicking…I know Tony and have worked with him…He is a top notch cop and well respected by law enforcement in Bergen County as well as the citizens of Ho-Ho-Kus…Hope he hangs in there as he is an asset to the department…Previous members more qualified than the current chief & captain and were bypassed have hung it up when they realized they would not be able to break thru this system…This not only hurts the town but also the moral of the department which icludes a fantastic roster of Me & Woman who serve the town 24/7…
These types of lawsuits do nothing but bring down the working atmosphere of all the employees in town. It seems strange that this officer waits till years after this happened to even file the lawsuit. Striking out of officers that are long retired is a ridiculous defense. If four different people were promoted.,There must’ve have a been a reason. Disgruntled employees filing lawsuits is like a last desperate action before someone retires to add to their bank account. If Chief LaCroix made disparaging remarks to a Korean American officer why did that officer not file this lawsuit.