the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Newark NJ, five NJ Transit police officers have been awarded a collective $535,000 in settlements after filing lawsuits accusing a now-retired sergeant, Melvin Webb, of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. The lawsuits, originally filed in Camden County state court in 2021, brought to light troubling allegations against Webb during his time as a supervisor.
Allegations Against Melvin Webb
According to court documents, Webb, who retired in 2021, was accused of:
- Sending unsolicited pornographic material to colleagues.
- Making inappropriate comments, including asking a female officer about the color of her underwear.
- Discussing sexual topics during work meetings.
The lawsuits described Webb as someone who “operated as an open and notorious purveyor of hostile work environment and discrimination.” Webb was also previously investigated for mistreating suspects and faced disciplinary charges in those cases.
NJ Transit’s Response
Neither NJ Transit nor Webb’s attorney responded to requests for comment. The settlement includes a non-disparagement clause and does not include an admission of liability from the agency or Webb.
Webb’s Retirement Amid Controversy
Webb retired in August 2021 with a salary of approximately $125,000 and now receives an annual pension of $83,000, according to state pension records. His retirement celebration, which included a handshake with Chief Christopher Trucillo, was announced on NJ Transit Police’s Facebook page—a post made one day after the officers filed their lawsuits.
Broader Issues at NJ Transit
The $535,000 settlement is just part of a larger pattern of legal challenges facing NJ Transit. Since 2022:
- The agency has paid at least $7 million in settlements to current and former employees who alleged harassment or retaliation.
- NJ Transit has spent over $1.7 million on attorney fees defending cases that were later settled.
- Two other former NJ Transit police officers settled lawsuits within the last three years over harassment and retaliation claims.
Webb’s History of Litigation
Interestingly, Webb himself was a plaintiff in a 2012 lawsuit against NJ Transit. He, along with nine other officers, shared in a $5.8 million settlement after alleging years of racism and discrimination by a former police chief.
The Bigger Picture
This settlement highlights ongoing issues within NJ Transit, including allegations of harassment, retaliation, and hostile work environments. The agency’s track record underscores the need for systemic change to ensure accountability and foster a safe workplace culture.
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