Statement from Mayor Dr.

Michael Brantley:

Unfortunately, the Township Committee, the Police Director and the Police Chief are not
permitted to speak about the specifics of the accusations made by Elena Gonzalez. Ms.
Gonzalez letter to the governing body asserts that there are disciplinary matters that have yet to
be resolved. In addition, she has a civil suit against the Township which has not yet been
adjudicated. Because Sgt. Gonzalez has not authorized the Township to discuss her personnel
matters in public, we are not permitted to comment on the existence or status of any internal
affairs or pending disciplinary charges. As such, we cannot respond to her accusations, we
cannot reveal the other side of the story, nor can we divulge the findings of our independent
professionals who will be working to provide the Township with representation in defense of her
lawsuit. Regardless, the governing body will continue to maintain its commitment to a zero
tolerance workplace environment. The Police Director will continue to monitor the Neptune
Police Department so that it operates in a manner that is consistent with the accreditation they
have received which in part, requires that all employees are treated equally and that our officers
are held accountable.
The bottom line is that this governing body is doing exactly what the general public would
expect us to do when faced with certain situations with our sworn police officers. Unfortunately,
we cannot divulge the reasoning for these actions without violating the protected rights of our
employees and without compromising our position in litigation.
In regard to Ms. Gonzalez decision to retire, that is a decision that she made, fully aware of any
disciplinary matters which may or may not be pending against her, her lawsuit, and the benefits
she will receive in retirement, pending approval from the State Division of Pensions and
Benefits.