Former Newark cop accuses mayor and superior officers of sexual harassment Erin Vogt Published: September 4, 2025 Newark sued by former cop for sexual harassment, discrimination (Google Maps)

NEWARK — A former Newark police officer has accused her superiors, including the mayor, of sexual harassment and discrimination.

Laura Ciesla filed a federal lawsuit on Aug. 29, which says she was forced out of her job over the use of prescribed medication and months of retaliation and pressure.

“The city completely denies the allegations in the complaint against the mayor, which we are hearing about for the first time,” Newark Corporation Counsel Kenyatta Stewart said, NJ.com reported.

Ciesla, a Caldwell resident, entered the police academy in August 2018 and graduated that December.

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