Alleged Pooping Superintendent In NJ Quits, Plans To Sue Cops

Thomas Tramaglini, the Kenilworth school superintendent accused of pooping on Holmdel's high school track and football field, has resigned, according to a statement from the district. His attorney said he also plans to sue the police for taking an unnecessary mug shot of him and "hold those responsible for the malicious narrative that has been spread about him to account for their misconduct."

The Kenilworth Board of Education released a statement Thursday night saying that, based on events "unrelated to his service" for the district, "it has become clear to both Dr. Tramaglini and the Kenilworth Board of Education that his continued service as superintendent of schools has become too much of a distraction to the main mission of the district."

"In recognition of this fact, and in an effort to avoid legal fees and expensive litigation, and in the best interests of all concerned, including the faculty, staff and students of the Kenilworth School District, Dr. Tramaglini has tendered, and the board has accepted, his resignation effective September 30, 2018," the district said.

Tramaglini's attorney, Matthew Adams, said Tramaglini plans to sue Holmdel police because of a mug shot taken after his arrest, claiming there was no need to photograph him at police headquarters for municipal offenses like public defecation. "It's like getting photographed and fingerprinted for a speeding ticket," Adams told nj.com.

Adams has filed a tort notice claiming potential damages of more than $1 million as well as emotional distress and invasion of privacy. The decision to resign, Adams said, "was not a decision that was made lightly, but Dr. Tramaglini does not want present and future legal proceedings unrelated to his official duties to the district to present a distraction to the important job that the teachers and administrators in the district have educating children."

"Dr. Tramaglini will continue to fight the allegations made against him in Holmdel, and will also hold those responsible for the malicious narrative that has been spread about him to account for their misconduct," he said. "No aspect of this difficult decision should be construed as an acknowledgment of guilt. Dr. Tramaglini is steadfast in his resolve and looks forward to the day when his full story is told."

The board says it will start a search for an interim superintendent "with the hope and expectation that one will be ready before the office becomes vacant on October 1, 2018."

Here is an audio of a call sent to people in the district:

Tramaglini was accused of defecating on the Holmdel high track and football field multiple times. Holmdel police said the track team was stumbling over human feces "on a daily basis," and one Holmdel source told Patch it happened at least eight times over the past few months.

Tramaglini was arrested at 5:50 a.m. Monday, April 30, after the school district put up cameras that allegedly caught him in the act. Tramaglini was charged with littering, lewdness and public defecation, none of which are indictable offenses.

The Kenilworth Board of Education unanimously voted in May to keep Tramaglini on paid leave despite a public outcry. Some residents appeared at the May meeting and hoped he would be fired since the story had gained national attention. "I want him gone," one resident said.

He was still collecting his $147,504 yearly paycheck during his leave. He requested to take the leave the day he was arrested, April 30.

Since February 2016, Tramaglini has been serving as superintendent of schools in Kenilworth. His current contract with the Kenilworth Board of Education extends until July 1, 2020.

RELATED: Kenilworth Superintendent Charged With Pooping On Holmdel Track

Soon after the arrest, Tramaglini was seen wearing gym shorts and sneakers and shouted "No comment!" to reporters camped outside his house. His attorney has said he plans to sue Holmdel police for a mug shot that he believes is humiliating.

Last month, Tramaglini made a quick first appearance in Holmdel municipal court. But the court session was adjourned after only 10 minutes when some issues were raised by Tramaglini's attorney regarding the evidence – including the video – being used in the case.

Matt Adams, the white-collar crimes criminal defense attorney retained by Tramaglini, told the judge there were a number of issues with the video taken by the Holmdel High school resource officer that allegedly captured Tramaglini doing the pooping. Tramaglini's lawyer said they wanted to see the entire surveillance video, not just "snippets."

Steve Zabarsky, the prosecuting lawyer for Holmdel, did not argue.

The judge, seeming slightly annoyed, said the case would have to be adjourned to a later date to resolve those issues.

With reporting by Carly Baldwin

Carly Baldwin photo and YouTube Photo