Jeffrey Kalolo Seeks Unspecified Sum
New London Police Lieutenant, Jeffrey Kalolo, has filed a lawsuit against the city, seeking an unspecified amount of money for lost wages, damages for emotional distress, and punitive damages. In his suit filed on July 20, 2022, in New London Superior Court, Kalolo alleges that Police Chief Brian Wright sexually harassed him and unjustly punished him. The allegations are similar to the claims Kalolo made in a complaint with the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities last year, which led to Wright being placed on administrative leave. Wright was cleared of wrongdoing and brought back after six weeks.
Persistent Sexual Harassment Allegations
Kalolo claims in his suit that during a stretch of time in 2019, Wright engaged in a campaign of sexual harassment against him, which took the form of persistent sexualized remarks and overtures while the two were alone in the shift commander's office. Some of the less explicit examples included in the suit include alleged remarks accompanied by inappropriate hand gestures. Kalolo writes that the verbal attacks were profane, offensive, and derogatory and materially changed the working environment for him. He was unsure of whether the sexualized language was for the purpose of inviting him to participate in sexual acts with Wright or separately directed at him as a disparaging commentary on his sexual orientation.
Retaliation Claims
Kalolo alleges the harassment stopped when Wright was assigned to investigate a complaint against him and Sgt. Charles Flynn by detective Melissa Schafranski-Broadbent. Schafranski-Broadbent has a pending lawsuit, which names Kalolo and Flynn and alleges institutional sexism, a hostile work environment, and intimidation by her superior officers over several years. Kalolo argues in his suit that Wright's investigation into Schafranski-Broadbent's complaint was patently biased and directed in such a way to lend support for a predetermined outcome. He argues the investigation was a way to retaliate against him.
No Disciplinary Action From Chief Peter Reichard
An internal investigation into Kalolo was completed on January 15, 2021, but not immediately acted on by former Police Chief Peter Reichard, who left the department in May of 2021. The mayor's office reviewed the findings of the internal investigation in September 2021, after Wright was named chief, and determined what discipline Kalolo would receive since it was Wright who conducted the investigation. In November 2021, the city demoted Kalolo from lieutenant to sergeant for a minimum of a year for violating the department's harassment and discrimination policies, among other violations. He was also ordered to complete 160 hours of training in areas that included supervisory training, workplace harassment, leadership, and management.
Wright Declines Comment Leaving Old, Familiar Silence
See the Committee's follow up request to Mayor Passaro regarding this and other issues with Chief Wright. Rather than respond, Mayor Passaro left the Oversight Committee in that old, familiar silence. It's the same silence heard from a burglar behind the curtains when a troubled resident returns home and calls out, "Is someone in here?" Silence is Mayor Passaro's "go to" response for all matters related to New London Policing.
Kalo's Suit Seeks Damages
Kalolo's lawsuit against the city seeks damages for sexual harassment and unjust punishment. He stands by the allegations contained in his complaint and is prepared to fully adjudicate his claims against the department. Meanwhile, the city police union has filed several grievances related to Kalolo's discipline with the State Labor Board that await a hearing date. The investigation into Kalolo's initial complaint against Wright had cleared him of wrongdoing and allowed him to return after six weeks on administrative leave. Wright declined comment on the pending suit, but reiterated his focus on moving the agency forward to newer, greater matters of concern perhaps. CT Governor Lamont's police reform bill has had no detectable effects in New London so far.