Allegations of retaliation have surfaced against state police officials in a new federal lawsuit, where two high-ranking officers claim they faced backlash for exposing fraudulent work schedules. Capt. Patrick J. Dougherty and Lt. Derek D. Felsman have taken legal action, asserting that their attempts to address discrepancies in pay were met with hostile work environments and threats to their careers.
The lawsuit, filed on Monday, details that Dougherty and Felsman, who serve in Troop P, reported three troopers for claiming to work premium shifts they did not perform. The troopers in question supposedly listed themselves on afternoon-evening schedules, earning a 5% pay differential, when they actually worked morning shifts without that benefit.
The complaint accuses the state, along with Gov. Josh Shapiro and other high-ranking officials, of violating whistleblower protections and infringing on the plaintiffs’ rights to free speech and due process. Lt. George Bivens is poised to become acting state police commissioner.
Alleged Retaliation Tied to Political Photo
Felsman claims that the retaliation began when he appeared in a photograph with former President Donald Trump, who was campaigning for Shapiro’s political opponent. Although Dougherty was not in the photo, he faced removal from his position, an action only halted by former Gov. Tom Wolf’s intervention, the lawsuit notes.
Internal Investigation Suppression
According to the suit, attempts were made to suppress an internal affairs investigation into the alleged payroll fraud. Maj. Norman Cramer allegedly discouraged the filing of a “Blue Team entry,” a formal initiation of an investigation. Despite this, Dougherty and Felsman filed the entry on February 13, 2025, leading to increased scrutiny from their superiors.
Discovery of Schedule Manipulation
The fraudulent scheduling practices came to light when a review revealed discrepancies in the shifts worked by a sergeant. Further checks uncovered similar practices by two corporals. This manipulation, which lasted eight months, allegedly allowed the officers to receive undeserved pay increases.
Hostile Work Environment Claims
Following the filing, Dougherty and Felsman describe a hostile work environment characterized by unwarranted criticism and scrutiny. Cramer is said to have questioned Felsman’s management and expressed disdain towards him. The situation allegedly led to emotional distress for Felsman and further workplace tension for both plaintiffs.
Disciplinary Actions and Reassignments
Despite the allegations, the accused sergeant and corporals reportedly saw salary increases. The sergeant received a suspension but was not demoted, while one corporal was discharged honorably. Meanwhile, Dougherty faced reassignment and public embarrassment, according to the suit, although his salary and Felsman’s were not reduced.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory damages and attorney fees, emphasizing the alleged retaliatory nature of the actions taken against Dougherty and Felsman.
