LOS ANGELES, CA — A former Monrovia police officer is asking a judge to order the release of internal department records he contends will support his lawsuit alleging that a supervising lieutenant sexually harassed him and ordered him to perform a private act in the lieutenant's presence.
Former MPD Officer Matthew Concepcion says in his Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit that he agreed to urinate in front of the lieutenant because he felt compelled to obey his boss. Concepcion also alleges retaliation and failure to take steps to prevent harassment and retaliation. He contends he was terminated in November 2025 as part of a department backlash for speaking out against the lieutenant.
In their previous court papers, attorneys for the city denied Concepcion's allegations and said they are barred by, among other things, the plaintiff's failure to first pursue internal grievance steps.
In court papers filed Nov. 5 with Judge Christopher K. Lui, Concepcion's attorneys are asking for the release of various internal MPD records, including those involving sexual harassment complaints against the lieutenant as well as any investigations taken as a result of Concepcion filing his lawsuit. A hearing is scheduled March 4, 2027.
Concepcion was hired in September 2023. The alleged sexual harassment by the lieutenant began in May 2024 when the supervisor fixated on the plaintiff and his behavior became intrusive and sexual in nature, the suit states. In addition, the lieutenant ordered Concepcion to transport him places even though that was not part of the plaintiff's work, the suit further contends.
The lieutenant's directive to Concepcion to urinate in front of him rather than go to the restroom left the officer feeling humiliated and uncomfortable, according to the suit.
In the MPD locker room, the lieutenant looked at Concepcion from head to toe and made sexually suggestive comments, the suit states. The lieutenant also sent Concepcion a prurient text message, according to the complaint.
The lieutenant was put on leave after Concepcion reported his alleged misconduct to human resources and the plaintiff also cooperated with an ensuing investigation, the suit further states. Concepcion was pressured to provide unrestricted access to his personal cell phone, despite his offering to produce all communications relevant to the investigation, causing him growing concern that he was the one being scrutinized, the suit further states.
Concepcion was denied overtime opportunities previously given him and he received a reprimand for minor issues, according to the suit. Concepcion was targeted in additional investigations which he believes were in retaliation for his having spoken out against the lieutenant, according to the suit filed in December 2024.
Although the department contends the response to Concepcion's complaints were proper, the officer was fired in November 2025, the suit states.
City News Service
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