Bridgewater Cop Who Wanted To Grow Facial Hair Files Lawsuit Against Township

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A Bridgewater Police Officer is suing the Township over releasing an investigation report after he claimed Chief John Mitzak retaliated against him for wanting to grow his facial hair.

Frank Flores filed a lawsuit against the Township in Somerset County Superior Court seeking the release of an independent investigation report looking into his complaint against Mitzak. The Township was served on June 11.

"The Township does not comment on pending litigation," said Deputy Township Administrator Wells Winegar.

Flores claims in the lawsuit that he asked Mitzak for permission to allow his facial hair to grow to accommodate a dermatological condition.

Mitzak granted the request but required that Flores provide a medical note on a monthly basis, according to the lawsuit.

"This was a burdensome request as it required [Flores] to seek a note from a doctor for a chronic condition on a recurring basis," according to the lawsuit.

Flores also claims that Mitzak wrote him up for one month for forgetting to supply a note.

According to the lawsuit, Flores complained to Human Resources and also believed that "he was being subjected to retaliatory acts because he objected to the requirement."

For example, Flores claims he was instrumental in starting a citizen's police academy. Flores said Mitzak interfered with his involvement with the academy in retaliation for Flores' objections to the medical certifications, according to the lawsuit.

Due to Flores's complaints against Mitzak the Township hired attorney Gina Rabuck-Anton to conduct an independent investigation in 2023 and 2024.

However, Flores claims that when he filed an OPRA request for all documents related to the investigation he was denied by the Township.

"Bridgewater's refusal to produce the requested information is unlawful; and [Flores] files this lawsuit to compel Bridgewater to produce the requested information," according to the lawsuit.

A "Show Cause Hearing" Proceeding is scheduled for July 8 before Judge Kevin M. Shanahan.

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