Newark, NJ – A federal judge handed Union City and a police lieutenant a legal victory this week, granting their motions for summary judgment and dismissing Officer Samantha Martinez’s wide-ranging harassment claims.

Twenty-five alleged incidents reviewed

Martinez, who joined the Union City Police Department in 2013 and was later promoted to sergeant in 2022, alleged two dozen incidents between February 2020 and June 2021. Her claims centered on interactions with Lt. Matulewicz, including a February 2020 exchange where he allegedly suggested she was romantically involved with another superior.

Martinez said the remarks and other conduct amounted to discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. She filed suit under federal and state civil rights laws, naming the City of Union, Lt. Matulew

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