Hun School Awaiting Outcome of Allegations Against Dudeck

The Hun School of Princeton on Monday night released a formal statement regarding Princeton Police chief David Dudeck, who also serves as the longtime head football coach at the private school. 

"We are aware of the allegations of misconduct against Dave Dudeck in his role as Princeton Police Chief," Hun's Director of Communications and Marketing Maureen Leming wrote in an email. "Our expectation is that every member of our staff conducts himself with honor on and off campus. Because we have no first-hand knowledge of the allegations, we await the outcome of the current process."

Dudeck, a 30-year police veteran, has been out on medical leave for nearly six weeks, since allegations surfaced that he created an atmosphere of harassment and intimidation within the department.

He has not yet made up his mind, although for weeks Princeton officials have said a decision will be made "soon." 

Dudeck could return to work any day, but that would likely trigger an investigation by the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office into the complaints against the chief. Dudeck is also eligible to retire with a full pension. 

On Monday, Princeton Council met in closed session to discuss Dudeck. Angelo J. Onofri, Mercer County First Assistant Prosecutor Angela J. Onofri was in that meeting, but afterward Princeton Mayor Liz Lempert said no decisions have been made and that Onofri's presence was only informational. 

According to police sources, more than two dozen complaints have been filed against Dudeck by his officers, outlining a pattern of harassment and intimidation over the past two years. 

Among the alleged incidents are forcing a male officer to take off his shirt, calling an officer a "fag" and making a penis joke in front of a female officer during a meeting with his senior staff. 

Princeton Police Captain Nick Sutter has taken temporarily taken over the duties of police chief, but it's unclear how long the department will remain in limbo.

Officials are putting together a separation package for Dudeck,, even though he has not yet made up his mind about retiring. The package simply outlines what the chief would be entitled to should he decide to leave the department. 

Multiple calls to Dudeck's cell phone have not been returned.