INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WXIN) - A former Indiana Excise Police Officer continues his fight against the department that fired him earlier this year. Sam Carson claims he was fired because he blew the whistle on an officer who sexually harassed two female officers at a party.
"I witnessed my former Lieutenant put whipped cream on a female probationary officer and then ask could he lick it off. I was surprised. I think everyone was shocked by that. They realized it was wrong," says Carson.
The incident took place at an Excise Police party three years ago. Carson reported it about 45 days later.
Former Excise Police Lieutenant, Tom Newgent, was disciplined by the department and transferred to another district. He retired soon after. A statement by the excise police says the State of Indiana disputes the plaintiff's allegations, saying Carson was terminated for insubordination and dishonesty.
In January, the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission is expected to hear Carson's appeal of his firing. Carson has also filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking lost wages and other damages. That hearing is set for April.
So far, two state agencies have investigated Carson's claims and ruled in favor of the plaintiff.
"The independent ruling of the Department of Workforce Development was that the excise police had no basis to its just cause dismissal," according to Carson's attorney, Kevin Betz.
Carson is the grandson of the late Congresswoman, Julia Carson.
"I witnessed my former Lieutenant put whipped cream on a female probationary officer and then ask could he lick it off. I was surprised. I think everyone was shocked by that. They realized it was wrong," says Carson.
The incident took place at an Excise Police party three years ago. Carson reported it about 45 days later.
Former Excise Police Lieutenant, Tom Newgent, was disciplined by the department and transferred to another district. He retired soon after. A statement by the excise police says the State of Indiana disputes the plaintiff's allegations, saying Carson was terminated for insubordination and dishonesty.
In January, the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission is expected to hear Carson's appeal of his firing. Carson has also filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking lost wages and other damages. That hearing is set for April.
So far, two state agencies have investigated Carson's claims and ruled in favor of the plaintiff.
"The independent ruling of the Department of Workforce Development was that the excise police had no basis to its just cause dismissal," according to Carson's attorney, Kevin Betz.
Carson is the grandson of the late Congresswoman, Julia Carson.
