Haddon Township Police Officer Jason DeMent says he faces dismissal after he rebuffed Haddon Township Police Chief Mark Cavallo’s sexual advances, then requested a temporary accommodation for his vision impairment.
The allegations are contained in a 27-page lawsuit DeMent filed against Cavallo and the township in federal court last month.
DeMent, 36, suffers from Stargardt disease, a rare disorder that impairs vision. A doctor recommended that DeMent limit his patrol duties to familiar areas during daylight.
In June, the 11-year veteran requested the limited patrol work, until his vision improves with stem-cell therapy. But instead of making a “reasonable accommodation,” Cavallo allegedly placed DeMent on unpaid sick leave until Oct. 28, when he’s expected to be dismissed.
Meanwhile, DeMent is receiving his accrued vacation pay as compensation.
“Ever since June 12, when Officer DeMent informed Chief Cavallo of his [Stargardt] diagnosis, he hasn’t been back to work in any capacity,” said Zachary R. Wall, an attorney for DeMent. “Ever since that day, Officer DeMent has been trying to come up with various scenarios of how he can come back to work. But no accommodation has been offered by the township or Chief Cavallo.”
DeMent’s refusal to acquiesce to Cavallo’s sexual advances was a motivating factor in his alleged dismissal, according to the lawsuit.
Cavallo’s alleged sexual advances include asking DeMent to turn around so he could see his rear end; pinching DeMent’s upper leg under a table; calling him “cute” and “handsome;” caressing DeMent’s cheek in a suggestive manner; asking DeMent to “talk dirty to me, baby;” offering to “run away” with DeMent; and texting messages of a sexual nature to DeMent.
“My client is very eager to return to work,” Wall said. “He could have continued working without a break, with minimal accommodations since June 12, when he was sent home.”
DeMent is seeking an unspecified amount in punitive and compensatory damages. A jury trial was requested. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Robert G. Kugler, based in Camden.
Cavallo and the township recently asked Kugler to toss out a major portion of DeMent’s lawsuit, on the basis that DeMent can’t perform the essential functions of a police officer due to his vision impairment.
Their request was pending as of presstime.
Haddon Township solicitor Eric J. Riso said: “Mr. DeMent’s allegations are without merit, and both Haddon Township and Chief Cavallo intend to defend this matter vigorously.”
