Sgt. Merritt Carr v. Borough of Glen Ridge, Police Chief Sheila Byron-Lagattuta, and Police Department (2016)

Glen Ridge, NJ Lawsuits Involving Police and Municipal Entities

Based on a comprehensive search of public records, news archives, and court-related reports (up to November 26, 2025), Glen Ridge has faced several lawsuits related to its police department, primarily centered on allegations of harassment, discrimination, and workplace misconduct. These cases often involved internal department dynamics rather than external civil rights claims like racial profiling during traffic stops or excessive force against civilians. No major, ongoing federal civil rights investigations (e.g., under 42 U.S.C. § 1983) specific to Glen Ridge police were identified, but the settlements have drawn local media attention due to their costs to taxpayers.

Here's a summary of key cases, drawn from verified news sources. I've focused on those with public settlements or coverage, including the one you mentioned about sexual harassment and racial discrimination leading to an officer's termination.

 Sgt. Merritt Carr v. Borough of Glen Ridge, Police Chief Sheila Byron-Lagattuta, and Police Department (2016)

• Details: Filed in October 2016 in Essex County Superior Court by Sgt. Merritt Carr, alleging four years of harassment, intimidation, and retaliation by Chief Byron-Lagattuta and other officers. Claims included violations of the New Jersey Family Leave Act, whistleblower protections, and disability discrimination, stemming from Carr's complaints about departmental misconduct (e.g., favoritism, policy violations). The suit described the chief as creating a "culture of fear" and detailed personal impacts like stress-related hospitalizations.
• Outcome: Settled in August 2020 for $675,000 (plus $21,568 in attorney fees). Carr agreed not to seek reemployment with the department and dropped all claims. This was the second settlement in a year against the chief and department; the first (undisclosed) involved another officer.
• News Coverage: Covered by NJ.com (August 14, 2020), Montclair Local (August 15, 2020), and TAPinto Montclair (August 19, 2020), with quotes from the suit calling the chief a "megalomaniacal despot."

Thanny Rodriguez v. Borough of Glen Ridge, Police Chief Sheila Byron-Lagattuta, and Others (2017)

• Details: Filed in Essex County Superior Court in May 2017 by Thanny Rodriguez, a former police dispatcher and assistant to Chief Byron-Lagattuta. Rodriguez alleged daily sexual harassment (e.g., unwanted advances, demands for massages) and racial discrimination (e.g., inappropriate comments about her Hispanic heritage and appearance), creating a hostile work environment. The suit named the borough, Chief Byron-Lagattuta, Capt. Sean Quinn, and unnamed employees, claiming they failed to address complaints.
• Outcome: Settled in early 2020 for an undisclosed amount (part of a series of related suits). Rodriguez was terminated from her position amid the allegations.
• News Coverage: Extensive local reporting, including NorthJersey.com (May 25, 2017) and NJ.com (May 26, 2017), highlighting the department's internal issues.
• Relevance: This matches your description of a police employee suing for sexual harassment and racial discrimination, resulting in firing.