Suspended Deputy Police Chief’s Discrimination Claim Inconclusive: EEOC

BRAIDWOOD, IL — The federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission was unable to conclude whether claims of discrimination made by the town’s suspended deputy police chief had any merit.

Deputy Police Chief Michelle Soucie claimed in March that she was subjected to discrimination. She had been placed on paid leave shortly before reporting the alleged discrimination to the EEOC. A source who asked not to be named said Soucie was put on leave due to “payroll issues.”

Police Chief Nick Ficarello said in February that Soucie was placed on leave pending an “administrative investigation.” Ficarello has since referenced a criminal investigation.

“This baseless charge, or any other false allegation, will not deter the criminal investigation from moving ahead,” Ficarello said. “This EEOC complaint was in retaliation for the ongoing criminal investigation.”

A telephone number Patch previously used to contact Soucie is no longer working.

In her EEOC complaint, Soucie said she was subjected to sexual harassment and that when the listed respondent — the City of Braidwood — “became aware of the sexual harassment,” she was further harassed and suspended.

Soucie also claimed to be disabled and said she endured “disability-related comments.”

Ficarello said he did not know of Soucie’s disability.

“I’m unaware of any disability that she claimed in the initial charge,” he said.

Michelle Soucie | image via Braidwood Police Department Facebook page