MEDFORD, N.J. — A township has agreed to a $30,000 settlement in a 2014 lawsuit claiming that a fire chief sexually harassed a former administrative assistant.
Philly.com reported that the lawsuit claimed Fire Chief Thomas Thorn smacked administrative assistant Lorie Cutts’ butt in front of two other firefighters while walking outside division headquarters to go to lunch in 2012. Cutts, who is no longer with the township, claimed that after the four returned from lunch, she went into her office, shut the door and cried.
The Medford Township agreed to pay the fine through its insurance, but did not admit wrongdoing.
Cutts’ attorney said the settlement was voluntary and agreed upon by both parties, according to the report. Court documents say Chief Thorn and the township “vigorously and wholly deny each and every allegation.”
Chief Thorn, a 21-year veteran, was promoted to chief in 2010. He still holds the position.