In the suit, filed by Somerville attorney Brian Cige, the women claim that they have suffered years of continuous sexual harassment and a hostile work environment. They particularly cite the actions of Bomba, who allegedly touched himself in their presence, told inappropriate jokes with sexual content, inquired into the plaintiffs’ sexual lives and disclosed his own.

According to the suit, the plaintiffs experienced emotional suffering, requiring over the counter and prescription medicines for anxiety and depression. They have also allegedly suffered financially because they avoided overtime or particular assignments that would put them into contact with the captain.

The plaintiffs have also named the South River Police Department and the borough in the suit, alleging that officials were aware of the situation and did little to resolve it. They alleged that Bomba’s suspension with his annual salary of $57,918 amounted to a "paid vacation" appearing to "reward" him for his conduct. Furthermore, the plaintiffs allege that the paid suspension put Bomba into contact with and further distressed Shaluha, who works in the office where Bomba must go to receive his paycheck every two weeks.

"They were very concerned and disappointed," Cige said of his clients’ reaction to Bomba’s return, noting that the officer would be in a supervisory position to two of the three plaintiffs.

"They were asked by the borough to participate as witnesses against Capt. Bomba, which they did. They believed that serious disciplinary action was going to be taken," he maintained. "They were hoping that the chief would take more serious action than the hearing officer recommended."

As the only captain on the 28-member force, Bomba is next in line for the chief’s position. Current Police Chief Francis X. Eib announced his retirement last year and plans to take his leave in early April and to retire fully in October. Last month, the Borough Council rescinded an ordinance establishing the position of a police director, which met with opposition from residents and police officers alike.

Borough officials are uncertain as to who would ultimately lead the department. According to Mayor Robert Szegeti, Bomba would be able to fill in for the chief in his absence as the next ranking officer. A possible promotion to chief and any other solution would rely on recommendations from the borough’s Public Safety Committee and the council, he said.

"We don’t know for sure what’s going to happen," said Councilman Salvatore Marsicano, who chairs the Public Safety Committee.

At a council meeting last month, Marsicano asked the borough attorney to look into changing the ordinance governing the chief’s succession. Currently, only a captain can be promoted to chief; Marsicano’s recommendation would allow officials to consider lieutenants for promotion. The lieutenants, and Trojanowski in particular, have led the department during Bomba’s suspension when the chief was away.

Marsicano noted that the rules, regulations and ordinances dealing with the line of succession are "vague."

"They need to be addressed," he said.