Former Passaic County Officer Wins Major Retaliation Case After Years of Workplace Turmoil
A former Black prison guard won a $750,000 jury award in September, resolving a long-running workplace struggle at the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office that was devastating to his career and family.
Former corporal Richard Camel, 55, worked in the Passaic County Jail for 25 years. A jury found a decade-long workplace retribution, disciplinary, and fairness dispute excessive after an internal complaint.
The camel originally complained about a supervising sergeant in 2016. The lawsuit claims Camel verbally complained about harassment to settle internally. He called disciplinary actions, shift changes, and investigations “unbearable.”
His full discrimination complaint was filed in early 2017. He was punished for five days for over two years of claims within weeks, believing it was punishment for speaking up. Years of disciplinary letters involved attendance, absenteeism, and scheduling difficulties Camel said were overblown or overinvestigated.
He said authorities questioned his bereavement leave and made him reveal family ties, which humiliated him.
When Camel left to care for his mother during COVID-19, friction erupted. The lawsuit alleges that department special investigations agents visited his home multiple times, unannounced at his mother’s, and drove unmarked on his street.
Police spoke with alarmed neighbors in a stressful situation before introducing themselves.
Camel claims he was denied compensation for 14 days of COVID-19 leave despite medical evidence. After officers spotted him away from home on a day he said he was at the hospital with his mother, the state reversed and paid for a 35-day ban.
Other disciplinary notifications accused him of excessive absence and sought his dismissal from the department.
Years of frustration and emotional pain led Camel to sue in 2021. After reporting harassment, Camel faced disciplinary action, leave conflicts, and internal inquiries. A complete trial was held in October.
After Camel stepped up, the sheriff’s office answered, meeting the legal criterion of “more likely than not.” The jury did not find the department purposefully racially discriminated against him.
Choices included:
$375k hurt
Emotional distress $100,000
60,000 backpay
$176,800 up front
$38,200 punitive damages
Additional $375,000 for legal fees
Total prize: $750,000
In mid-November, county commissioners approved the full amount.
Camel thanked the jury for validating his pain. He emphasized that money cannot replace his career.
After resigning in July 2023, Camel said antagonism prohibited him from continue his beloved career.
“Protecting and serving was all I ever wanted to do,” he stated after the judgment. All that happened cost me my career. Never get those years back.”
He said department leadership failed him at every stage and that those who passively watched him be targeted were “just as responsible” as those who started the actions.
The conviction adds to an increasing number of workplace retaliation rulings nationally, especially in public-sector institutions where internal hierarchies can make it difficult for employees to disclose misconduct without fear of repercussions. County authorities have not commented.
Camel’s case highlights a key issue in U.S. labor law: employees can report unsubstantiated discrimination or harassment without repercussions.
Last resort, camel sued. “I didn’t want to do this. I had to. My treatment was too harsh.”
Today, he believes the verdict is final, but the trip will cost him forever.
