Sexual Harassment Suit Filed Against Lower Merion Police: Report

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — A female sergeant with the Lower Merion Police Department is suing the department, its superintendent, and township over allege sexual harassment and discrimination, according to a new report.

Sgt. Jo Anne Pepitone on Friday filed a federal sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuit against the Lower Merion Police Department, superintendent Mike McGrath, and the township itself, Philly Magazine reports.

"We’re proud of our client, Sgt. Jo Anne Pepitone, for having the courage to file this lawsuit," Scott Pollins, Pepitone's attorney, said. "No employer is above the law. Sexual harassment can take many forms, including when an employer tolerates a female employee being repeatedly subject to false rumors and a hostile work environment. We look forward to holding the Lower Merion Police Department responsible for its conduct at trial."

The suit alleges Pepitone, 37, of Berwyn, was sent nude photos via text message of other officers, that one officer attempted to track her via GPS, she was the subject of rumors that she was sexually involved with other officers, and that she used sex to get a promotion, according to Philly.com.

Pepitone is seeking an unspecified damages, the outlet reports.