Morristown Zoning Officer John Fugger has been suspended without pay while the town investigates a charge that he harassed a female employee in his office with unwanted calls after work.
In a complaint filed with police, the woman accused her boss of making “unwanted phone calls and communication” with her after work hours on Oct. 1, “after being told to stop.”
The woman–whose name we are withholding while the matter is investigated–declined to comment. John Fugger could not be reached on Friday.
“We take these charges very seriously, and we will follow the proper procedures to swiftly address this and ensure that everyone’s right to a safe and productive work environment is respected,” Mayor Tim Dougherty said in a statement.
The zoning officer was suspended from his $83,469 job on Thursday. The charge is a disorderly persons offense that carries maximum penalties of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine upon conviction. A first appearance in municipal court is scheduled for Nov. 8.
John Fugger has requested an administrative hearing, which the town has 30 days to schedule, said town Administrator Michael Rogers.
“We’ll investigate and proceed with any appropriate action,” said the Administrator, who called the situation “unfortunate.” A separate investigation is being conducted by the police, who declined to release any further details while they are looking into the matter.
Another town employee will handle John Fugger’s duties, which include enforcing zoning codes, while the investigations are conducted, the Administrator said.
The zoning officer is a few months shy of his 25th anniversary working for the town. That’s an important milestone, because employees who serve that many years consecutively can retire with lifetime health coverage.
“His service to the town for the last 24 years speaks for itself,” said Michael Rogers, who said he could not say any more for legal reasons.
There is precedent for caution in addressing such matters: In 2005, under a prior administration, a former town secretary sued the town and a former administrator for sexual harassment, alleging she was continually exposed to pornography in the office.
The town’s insurance companies paid that woman nearly $1 million in 2009 to settle the federal suit.
The statement from our business administrator “his service to the town for past 24 yrs speaks for itself” is just mind blowing.