Newark, NJ – A federal judge handed Union City and a police lieutenant a legal victory this week, granting their motions for summary judgment and dismissing Officer Samantha Martinez’s wide-ranging harassment claims.
Twenty-five alleged incidents reviewed
Martinez, who joined the Union City Police Department in 2013 and was later promoted to sergeant in 2022, alleged two dozen incidents between February 2020 and June 2021. Her claims centered on interactions with Lt. Matulewicz, including a February 2020 exchange where he allegedly suggested she was romantically involved with another superior.
Martinez said the remarks and other conduct amounted to discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. She filed suit under federal and state civil rights laws, naming the City of Union, Lt. Matulewicz, and unnamed defendants.
Court finds evidence insufficient
U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton concluded that the record did not support Martinez’s allegations as actionable under the law. Applying Rule 56 standards, the court credited undisputed facts where Martinez did not properly counter them and found no triable issues for a jury.
Despite acknowledging Martinez’s continued employment and later promotion within the department, the court held that her claims of hostile work environment and retaliation failed to meet the legal threshold.
Case closed in city’s favor
With the ruling, the case comes to a close in favor of the city and its officer defendants, sparing Union City a trial on Martinez’s allegations.
Key Points
- Officer Samantha Martinez alleged 25 incidents of harassment between 2020 and 2021.
- Judge Wigenton granted summary judgment to Union City and Lt. Matulewicz.
- The court found insufficient evidence for Martinez’s federal and state civil rights claims.
