NEWS

Morris Twp. officer faces suspension for ‘offensive’ email

Peggy Wright
@PeggyWrightDR

MORRIS TWP. – A police sergeant is facing a 10-day suspension that would cost him about $4,400 in wages after he allegedly circulated a vulgar image and email to officers that ridiculed township Business Administrator Timothy F. Quinn.

Sgt. Sean O’Hare used his personal email on June 14, 2014 to send a communication and crude image to rank-and-file members of Policemen’s Benevolent Association Local 133 and members of the township’s Superior Officers Association, according to township special counsel John Iaciofano.

The content of the email has not yet been publicly disclosed but will be at a civil disciplinary hearing slated for Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Town Hall. A large law enforcement presence is expected, as the New Jersey State PBA has been advertising the hearing and calling for a show of support for O’Hare and his exercise of his free speech rights.

“If available, please come show your support to our brother and also make a statement to the township that their anti-union animus is unacceptable and not to be tolerated,” State PBA President Patrick Colligan said on the association’s Facebook page.

The crux of the charge against the 18-year officer -- conduct unbecoming a police officer -- is not so much the disparagement of Quinn but that the email was distributed to officers over whom O’Hare has supervisory authority and could unduly influence. Quinn was the township’s police chief before being hired as business administrator.

“It’s patently offensive on its face, clearly inappropriate on its face,” Iaciofano said of the communication. O’Hare’s attorneys, Gina Mendola and Ashley Whitney, could not immediately be reached Tuesday but Iaciofano said he expects a First Amendment defense.

Quinn declined comment, saying he expects to testify at the hearing.

O’Hare allegedly sent the text and photograph only to officers while the PBA and SOA were involved last year in contract negotiations. O’Hare was on the negotiating committee, as was Quinn as part of his usual administrative duties. Though Quinn was not an intended recipient, someone in September 2014 anonymously forwarded the communication to him.

Quinn brought the email and picture to the attention of Police Chief John K. McGuinness. A police captain conducted an investigation and gave his conclusions to the chief, who signed the administrative charge of conduct unbecoming an officer against O’Hare, Iaciofano said.

The hearing, which O’Hare requested be conducted in public, will involve Iaciofano presenting the chief’s case and O’Hare and his attorneys presenting their case. Attorney Noel Shablik was hired to serve as hearing officer. After hearing all the evidence, he will write an opinion on O’Hare’s guilt or innocence and make recommendations for punishment. Last, the township committee will accept, modify or reject the findings, Iaciofano said.

Staff Writer Peggy Wright: 973-267-1142; pwright@GannettNJ.com.