Former Chief, Mendham Twp. Settle Sexual Harassment Lawsuit For $65K

MENDHAM TWP., N.J. – A lawsuit filed nearly a year ago by former Mendham Township Police Chief Steven Crawford has been settled for $65,000.

According to dailyrecord.com, Crawford and the township settled out of court in late May after the former top cop alleged he was sexually harassed by town employees and officials.

See the full report here.

Crawford’s lawsuit named former township administrator Amey Upchurch and committee members Sam Tolley and Maribeth Thomas, along with former committeeman and now Mendham Borough administrator Rick Merkt as defendants.

Crawford sought punitive damages for civil rights violations, hostile work environments, defamation and slander by Upchurch, along with other claims.

See related: ‘How Big Is Your Monster?’ Mendham Twp. Police Chief Sues Town Officials For Sexual Harassment

Crawford retired in April, leaving Lt. Ross Johnson as the officer in charge.

Mendham Township Mayor Frank Cioppetini said Crawford and the township committee discussed the top cop’s separation for more than a year, and that “the chief felt now was the time to move on,” the mayor said.

“We want to thank him for 28 years of service,” Cioppetini said. “He’s done a very good job and the police department is in good shape.”

The mayor said there is no current timetable as to when a full-time chief will be put in place.