A former sheriff’s officer has won a $3.8 million jury verdict after claiming she was fired for objecting to her superior’s repeated violations of law and regulations, including witness intimidation and covering up misconduct involving political allies.
Candice Burgess filed suit against Middlesex County in February 2020, alleging that Sheriff Mildred Scott retaliated against her with suspensions, demotion, and termination for objecting to these violations.
The Somerset County Superior Court jury ruled in Burgess’s favor, awarding her compensation for lost pay, pension, retiree health benefits, and emotional distress.
The verdict, which was first reported by MyCentralJersey.com, was reached on April 23 following a trial that began on April 14.
The Middlesex County Office of County Counsel has said its plans to appeal the ruling.
“Regarding the Burgess vs. Middlesex County case, the County asserts that the verdict is against the weight of the evidence presented at the trial,” the office said in a statement. “As such, the County intends to appeal the verdict.”
The allegations in the complaint include instances where Scott allegedly failed to report a sexual assault complaint to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Burgess also alleged Scott covered up a failed drug test by a job candidate from a politically active family, and improperly handled evidence related to the Joanne Chesimard case.
Chesimard, also known as Assata Shakur, was a member of the Black Liberation...
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