Karen Wenger settles wrongful dismissal and sexual discrimination suit.
By: Jennifer Potash
A former Princeton Borough police officer has settled her wrongful dismissal and sexual discrimination lawsuit against the borough.
The Princeton Borough Council unanimously approved a $47,500 settlement with Karen Wenger at Tuesday’s council meeting.
Ms. Wenger, hired in August 1999, was fired July 14, 2000, when she was still a probationary employee.
She filed the lawsuit against then-Police Chief Thomas Michaud, then-Lt. Charles Davall, who is now chief, and the borough in October 2000 alleging she was terminated without due process.
Ms. Wenger argued in the suit that neither the police chief nor other supervisory officers made her aware of job performance problems, an allegation denied by the Police Department. Ms. Wenger also claimed the department discriminated against female officers by unnecessarily using large-frame guns, which created problems for physically smaller officers.
Now a police officer in Burlington Township, Ms. Wenger is pleased to have the matter resolved, said Brian Cige, her attorney.
"She thinks it is a fair settlement," Mr. Cige said Wednesday.
The settlement covers Ms. Wenger’s lost wages, compensatory and punitive damages and attorney’s fees, Mr. Cige said.
The borough, which admits no wrongdoing, will pay a portion of the settlement with the remainder covered by its insurance carriers, according to the resolution approved by the council.
Chief Davall said he is glad the department and the borough have put the matter to rest.
"We did absolutely nothing wrong during her period of employment," Chief Davall said. "And the decision to settle was not reached on principle but what was best for the borough taxpayers."
At the time of the lawsuit, the borough had two other female patrol officers. Today the department has three women on the force two patrol officers and a detective.
Former Chief Michaud could not be reached for comment.

