NJ Cop On Paternity Leave Mocked For ‘Breastfeeding,’ Lawsuit Says

LINDEN, NJ — A Linden Police Officer has filed a lawsuit against his department, claiming he was mocked for being home and breastfeeding his children while taking paternity leave.

Officer Dominick Mele filed a lawsuit in Union County Superior Court last month against Lieutenant Ivan Ordonez, the City of Linden, and the Linden Police Department.

Mele alleges he endured unlawful discrimination, retaliation, and a hostile work environment after he took paternity leave and missed work due to injuries he got while trying to arrest a suspect.

In February 2019, Mele said he applied for a Training Instructor position and never received a response. Then in January 2021, Mele said he applied for a Juvenile Detective position and again never received a response.

In May 2021, Mele's child was born, and he told his supervisor he intended to use State-provided baby bonding leave to be home with his family. He also says he told his supervisor he would need to take extra time in December when his wife went back to work.

Mele alleges he was told to use accrued sick time, and he wasn't allowed to take state child bonding leave.

Mele says he used 12 weeks of family leave, and during this time applied for a Field Training Officer position. He alleges he was interviewed by at least 10 administrators and ultimately denied after being told, "You need to be here more."

In June 2022, Mele alleges he applied to become a drone operator but was never given an opportunity for an interview.

In June 2023, Mele took 12 weeks of family leave off work for the birth of his other child, "while members of the Linden Police Department would make jokes that [Mele] was home and breastfeeding his child."

The Field Training Officer position opened up again, and in February 2024, Mele alleges he was told he would not be considered for an interview because he was described as "like a cancer to the department."

On April 29, 2024, Mele was injured while trying to arrest a suspect and was out of work for eight months.

While out of work in September 2024, a colleague allegedly texted Mele showing Lt. Ordonez's drawing of Mele on a whiteboard in front of the entire staff.

"The drawing depicted [Mele] with a broken nose, big ears, buck teeth, and glasses with "Meleitis" appearing underneath the drawing," according to the lawsuit.

While out, a worker's compensation doctor said Mele could return to work but could not carry or use a gun.

Internal Affairs then came to Mele's home to get his gun and allegedly told him there was no position available in the department if he couldn't carry a gun.

The gun was taken at Mele's home in front of his neighbors, which Mele claims caused "embarrassment and humiliation."

Mele was then contacted by the Director of Personnel, who told him they were looking at retirement options since there were no positions for Mele available, according to the lawsuit.

Mele then had a follow-up neurologist appointment, who cleared him to return to full duty, and his gun was returned.

He was eventually moved to "a less desirable shift," which Mele claims caused disruption of his family life, loss of prestige and professional standing, and adverse working conditions.

Mele is seeking compensatory damages, punitive damages, the cost of the lawsuit, attorney fees, and more.

The Linden Police Department did not immediately respond to Patch's request for comment.

See the full lawsuit below:

Dominick Mele by Alexis Tarrazi

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