By Emily Previti |
epreviti@pennlive.com
HARRISBURG — Suspended city
police officer Jennie Jenkins claims her suspension over misspending charitable
funds is retaliation, state officials confirmed Monday.
Jenkins “alleges she’s being
harassed and was suspended in retaliation for opposing unlawful activity, which
in this case is discrimination,” said state Human Relations Commission
spokeswoman Shannon Powers.
Jenkins was suspended from the
Harrisburg Police Department in Octoberamid allegations she'd misappropriated
Police Athletic League funds. At the time, she was adamant about her innocence.
That was the last time she
spoke publicly about the matter.
Her attorney didn't respond
Monday to calls seeking comment.
The state commission began an
investigation Jan. 23 in response to a complaint Jenkins filed Dec. 27, 2013,
against the city.
She jointly filed with the federal
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Powers said.
About 40 percent of the
commission’s cases are settled before investigations conclude or the
complainant pursues civil action, she said, then declined further comment.
Powers and city paralegal Michael
Brownsweiger declined to release the documents filed by Jenkins, citing the
state Right-to-Know law’s exception for “grievance material, including
documents related to discrimination or sexual harassment.”
Jenkins’ attorney didn’t return
calls seeking comment Monday.
Harrisburg Fraternal Order of
Police Capital City Lodge 12 president Jason Brinker, a detective with the
department, also didn’t return a call for comment Monday.
The state Attorney General's
Office is investigating Jenkins' case on behalf of local police and Dauphin
County Attorney General Edward Marsico Jr. because Marsico served alongside
Jenkins on the PAL Board.
Recently retired police Capt.
Annette Oates had stepped in as PAL director after Jenkins was suspended. It's
unclear whether Oates will continue in the role.