FWPD Slapped with Sexual Harassment/Discrimination Suit

Fort Wayne Police Chief Rusty York says the allegations are without merit and baseless and the department will fight them vigorously in court.

Chief York says he usually doesn't speak on pending litigation but in this case, he'll make an exception.

The detective bringing the lawsuit Bridget Glaser alleges in her complaint that a sergeant kept a sex toy that was referred to as the office mascot. It was placed in common areas and in her chair.  She says sexually inappropriate jokes were made daily and she was pressured to view some of her colleague's personal pornography collection.

York says exposure to sexually explicit content is part of Glaser's job, she is a detective in the sex crimes unit.  York says despite that maintaining a harassment-free workplace is a top-priority to Fort Wayne P.D. and back in April he addressed the detectives concerns. York says he even had a follow-up weeks later with Glaser to make sure her concerns had been addressed.  He says he was told they were.

According to the complaint, the sexual comments and jokes continued. Attorney holly Brady has been practicing law for 20 years, representing employers and employees in workplace discrimination and harassment suits.  She says if Fort Wayne p-d can prove it attempted to stop the alleged behavior, it could be the departments saving grace.

Detective Glaser is still employed at the Fort Wayne Police Department.