Case against cops still open

JACKSON - A civil lawsuit which charges a Jackson police officer with raping a female police informant is still pending.

In November 2005, attorney Robert F. Varady served notice on Jackson officials that his client, a former female confidential informant for the Jackson Police Department, would be suing the township.

On Sept. 25, 2006, Varady filed a complaint in U.S. District Court seeking a trial by jury and financial damages on behalf of the woman against a Jackson police detective and other police personnel.

Last week attorney Tom Monahan, who is representing Jackson, said the discovery process in the case is continuing. He said no depositions have been taken and no claims related to the case have been settled.

The woman claims she became pregnant as the result of a July 25, 2005 sexual assault/rape she claims to have suffered at the hands of Detective Anthony Senatore and gave birth to a son on March 26, 2006.

The woman is seeking compensatory, punitive and exemplary damages, in addition to her attorney's fees and the costs of the lawsuit.

Named as defendants in the complaint are Jackson Township, the Jackson Police Department, Detective Anthony Senatore, (former) Public Safety Director Samuel DiPasquale, Capt. Christopher Dutton (there is a Capt. Christopher Dunton in the department), Lt. John Siedler, Detective Sgt. Denis Campbell and John Does 1-20 (presently unknown agents, members, commissioners, chiefs, representatives or employees of the police department).

The complaint claims the plaintiff's constitutional and civil rights were violated, that sexual assault and battery were committed upon her, that officers failed to prevent sexual assault and battery, and it alleges negligent and intentional infliction of severe physical injury and emotional harm.

Varady did not return a telephone message left by the Tri-Town News.

The complaint alleges Senatore sought out the woman for the purpose of soliciting, recruiting and procuring her services as a confidential informant to provide information and other assistance involving drug related activities in and around her neighborhood in Jackson.

In exchange for her services as a confidential informant, the complaint alleges Senatore promised to provide the informant with financial compensation and guaranteed judicial and prosecutorial considerations with respect to her children and estranged husband, all of whom had been the subject of numerous police investigations carried out by Jackson police.

The other police personnel named in the complaint are alleged to have failed in their duty to properly train and supervise Senatore "in the fundamental law of police procedures and protocol in dealing with confidential informants."

- Mark Rosman