Former Hudson County 911 coordinator and Bayonne’s 1st Ward Councilman Theodore Connolly filed a lawsuit today alleging intentional discrimination and retaliation against Hudson County, Sheriff Juan M. Perez, and Aide Robert Knapp. The case was filed in U.S. District Court, Newark.
Mr. Connolly alleges that managerial employees, including Perez and Knapp, fostered, approved, encouraged, and participated in a workplace culture and practice of discrimination against those with disabilities wherein upon Mr. Connolly’s return from medical leave he was demoted, reassigned to the Kearny Jail, and suffered a significant salary and benefit decrease amounting to approximately $40,000.00 per annum.
The complaint alleges that in the workplace, it was common for Robert Knapp to require the support of Sheriff Perez’s political campaign by providing 10 $250 fundraiser tickets. If one did not sell the tickets, an employee would suffer the consequence of negative employment actions, such as reassignment and loss of overtime.
When contacted, Knapp, who serves as spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, had not yet been served, and said such matters would be referred to the countyE2s legal department.