$50K for ex-officer; Holland lawsuit settled.

• Position: NEWS

Byline: HOLLAND

HOLLAND - A former reserve police officer has received a $50,000 settlement in a lawsuit with the town in federal court in which she alleged sexual harassment and a hostile work environment.

The former officer, Stacey A. Quinones, filed the lawsuit in 2005 against the town, the Police Department, Police Chief Kevin P. Gleason, Police Lt. Raymond Morehouse and Selectman Earl A. Johnson. She alleged her civil rights were violated.

The lawsuit alleged that town officials worked to remove her from her job after she said she was thinking about running for the selectman's seat held by Mr. Johnson.

The lawsuit included portions of a complaint filed with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination alleging sexual harassment and a hostile work environment. MCAD dismissed the complaint in late 2004 for lack of probable cause. The complaint sought a judgment against the town and officials, as well as "back pay, front pay and interest thereon," compensatory and punitive damages, and legal fees.

At the time of the allegations, Chief Gleason denied the charges.

Selectmen recently announced the settlement, but refused to disclose any details, citing a confidentiality agreement.

The Telegram & Gazette received a copy of the release and settlement agreement after making a formal, written request to Alan Cote, supervisor of public records at the secretary of state's office in Boston.

According to...