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Puerto Rico Police Department Embroiled in Retaliation Scandal
WASHINGTON — In a shocking turn of events, the Policía de Puerto Rico (PRPD) has been hit with a federal lawsuit alleging the agency retaliated against Agent Investigator Sofía Figueroa Rossy (Figueroa) for complaining about a hostile work environment based on sex, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
According to sources close to the investigation, the PRPD retaliated against Figueroa when, after she complained of sexual harassment, the agency failed to keep Figueroa’s complaint confidential, involuntarily transferred her out of the PRPD’s Sex Crimes Division, and failed or refused to take action on Figueroa’s appeal of the involuntary transfer.
‘All workers have the right to go to work each day without fear of discrimination or retaliation. Public employers should set an example for others by upholding the law and taking prompt and effective action to stop discrimination and retaliation,’ said Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez of the Civil Rights Division. ‘The Justice Department will vigorously pursue such violations of Title VII.’
The lawsuit, filed in federal court, seeks an order from the court that the PRPD take remedial steps to ensure a non-retaliatory workplace for its employees, including supplementing its mandatory training for all supervisors regarding sex discrimination and retaliation under Title VII.
The San Juan Local Office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigated and attempted to resolve Figueroa’s charge of discrimination before referring it to the Justice Department for litigation.
The enforcement of Title VII is a top priority of the Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its websites at www.justice.gov/crt/ and www.justice.gov/crt/emp/.
The lawsuit is just the latest in a series of high-profile cases involving public corruption and sex crimes in Puerto Rico. As the Grimy Times continues to investigate, sources close to the case have confirmed that the PRPD is cooperating fully with the investigation.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: Public Corruption|Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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