Sergeant to file lawsuit, alleging she was passed over for promotions, assignments.
By: Craig Garrett and Katie Merx, The Detroit News
Tuesday, August 22, 2000
Dearborn - A female Dearborn police sergeant, who complained about the department's failure to investigate a promotion test scandal, is filing a sexual harassment lawsuit - against the city and Chief Ron Deziel.
The suit alleges Deziel called Sgt. Karen Ehlert, 37, a "whore," passed her over for promotions, gave her a less-favorable assignment, made her work with a man who allegedly dropped his pants in from of her while on duty and punished other officers who socialized with her.
The lawsuit, expected to be filed today in Wayne Circuit Court, seeks damages in lost wages and benefits and any amount a jury may award her above $25,000.
Deziel referred all comments on the lawsuit to Mayor Michael A. Guido, who acknowledged receiving a copy of the lawsuit but declined to comment.
"I haven't had the chance to review it," he said.
A 17 year veteran of the department, Ehlert said she also experienced name-calling and icy stares from other officers after complaining that the city had failed to find the person who altered the results of a promotions exam in which other officers scored higher then she did.
Her lawyer said the city's refusal to demand a test retake prompted her to file a civil rights lawsuit against Deziel and the city.
City and union officials will meet Wednesday to decide whether another test should be given.
"Frankly, I'm shocked the chief is still working," Ehlert's lawyer, Jim Fett said.
The lawsuit is the last in the series of complaints between the police department and its only female sergeant.
Ehlert's rise through the ranks included a list of awards and service recognition for her job performance. She had helped run police youth groups, stopped bank robbers and arrested an armed thief who had robbed a city jewelry dealer of $250,000.
In 1998, Ehlert filed a sexual complaint against another officer who allegedly dropped his pants at a police gun range four years earlier. The officer, now corporal, wore thong underwear and exposed his buttocks to her, she said.
Initially, Ehlert did not file a complaint about the incident.
She eventually filed the complaint four years later, the lawsuit said, because the officer continued to harass her, including making comments about her "alleged sexual promiscuity" and her romantic relationship with a junior officer.
