Gay Haldeon cop files bias suit

HALEDON, N.J. -- A police sergeant has sued the borough and several officials, claiming he was passed over for promotion because he is gay.

Sgt. James Len filed suit Wednesday in state Superior Court against the borough, Mayor Ken Pengitore, Councilman Ayman Mamkej and Police Chief Harold Engold Jr. All three defendants said they had not seen the suit and declined to comment when reached by the Herald News of West Paterson. [...]

According to the suit, Len, 42, told his wife and children in April 2002 that he is gay. He moved out two months later.

As word circulated through the police department, others began treating Len differently, according to his lawyer, Charles Sciarra.

"He was in line for promotions and was on the short list for the chief of police," Sciarra told the newspaper. "Len went from favorite son to pariah instantaneously. They did not just ostracize Jim; they targeted his job solely because it was revealed he is gay."

The suit claims several officials assured Len he would be promoted to lieutenant, but withdrew their support after learning he was gay. (source)