Attorney: Settlement Finalized for Retired Officer's Suit

A settlement has been finalized for a lawsuit filed by a retired Madison police patrolman against the borough and police chief, the municipal attorney said Monday.

In response to a request for an update on the settlement process from former Councilman Sam Cerciello during the Madison Borough Council meeting, borough attorney Matthew Giacobbe said the claim was settled and the borough's financial exposure for an insurance policy deductible was about $75,000.

Giacobbe said he did not have specifics about the lawsuit with him at the time and said the Morris County Prosecutor's Office is the agency that would be able to decide if any further internal affairs investigation is warranted regarding the case.

"The matter was settled," Giacobbe said.

More information about cost of the lawsuit to the borough could be available from the borough administrator later in the week, he said.

The lawsuit filed by retired Patrolman Anthony Kaspereen claimed he was assigned to a "punishment detail" in 2010 by Police Chief John Trevena that involved patroling the borough on foot in summer heat with no assistance and caused him to suffer dehydration and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The borough denied in court documents that the assignment was given as punishment.

The Borough Council on May 14. At subsequent meetings, Giacobbe said the settlement was being finalized. He also said there was no admission of wrongdoing on either side and no finding of punitive damages.