Detective Alleges Retaliation After Reporting Guns, Drinking in NJ Prosecutor’s Office
A New Jersey detective sued the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office for retaliation after raising severe concerns about misconduct. The detective claims he was punished for exposing senior officials’ illicit guns and alcohol use, among other workplace infractions.
The legal filings claim that Detective Anthony Deprospo, who was elected president of PBA 325 in June 2024, was relentlessly targeted after warning about unethical and unsafe office procedures. He claims a colleague investigator was allowed to carry a 1911 Colt revolver at work and that a lieutenant and management were allowed to drink. Deprospo claims his concerns sparked years of retaliation.
His supervisor allegedly summoned state troopers to his home for a “welfare check,” claiming he skipped work while on family leave to care for a very ill child. The lawsuit calls this harassment and retaliation, not welfare. Deprospo claims the retribution effort began in 2020. He has over 20 years of law enforcement experience and eight years as prosecutor.
After making a public records request about alcohol policies, Deprospo addressed his grievances during a county commission meeting, citing nepotism and low pay. His workload increased from 28 to over 40 after his work vehicle was taken. He reports 58 personnel transfers in his unit, adding to his workload. He claims he was given a noisy, deteriorating workplace near a copier and a shared evidence computer with a growing workload.
The lawsuit also mentions the controversial “Belleville Project,” which directed detectives to relocate boxes, safes, and garbage. Deprospo says these actions were outside investigator duties and performed in risky conditions—extreme heat, lack of protective gear, and minimal oversight. After expressing displeasure on a national news program, he was chastised for violating unstated “unwritten policies”.
Retaliation includes denying him overtime opportunities afforded to colleagues, reassigning him to tedious or dead-end tasks, and initiating questionable internal investigations. The action claims whistleblower, discrimination, and New Jersey family leave breaches.
Deprospo’s claim isn’t alone. Over the past five years, several Essex County detectives have sued the prosecutor’s office for retaliation over salary, working conditions, and speaking out. Detectives have settled overtime pay allegations before. A case alleging discrimination against a female investigator after she reported misbehavior continues.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office won’t discuss the lawsuit due to policy. The case highlights growing friction between law enforcement and internal control when charges of misconduct surface, whether it results in financial damages, institutional transformation, or workplace inquiry.
Sources
NJ.com investigative reporting
Court filings and public records summaries
Prior Whistleblower lawsuits in Essex County
