LAWSUIT: Trenton sergeant passed up for job in favor of police director’s best friend
TRENTON — It pays to be besties with the police director.
Cynthia Hargis, a sergeant who says she was passed up for promotion despite being the best woman for the job, alleges in a recently filed lawsuit that Trenton Police Director Ernest Parrey Jr. engaged in bold and unapologetic cronyism, swaying underlings to promote “best friend” Sgt. Kenneth Lugo.
The sex discrimination lawsuit claims Hargis was snubbed out of a supervisory position in the special victims unit because she was a black woman competing against a white man who made no secrets he’s Parrey’s ride-or-die best friend.
“Plaintiff’s background and education is far superior to that of Sgt. Lugo for this particular position given her years of experience, stellar relationship within the community and no IA [internal affairs] complaints,” the lawsuit says alleging Lugo is favored by the good ol’ boys in blue network.
Hargis’ contends police brass looked over Lugo’s alleged checkered past, which includes allegations he lied on police paperwork he submitted when he applied to a department in another state.
Posted on 02 Apr 2018, 10:02 - Category: Media