The Pasadena Police Department is facing allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct, with Chief Eugene Harris at the center of the controversy. According to FOXLA, two more police officers, Lt. Monica Cuellar and her husband, Lt. Keith Gomez, have filed legal complaints against the city and the police chief. The claims include accusations of sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliatory behavior.
These recent allegations add to the growing number of complaints against Harris, reported KTLA. Lt. Cuellar contends she has been subject to inappropriate and sexual comments, while Lt. Gomez alleges facing retaliation for supporting his wife's objections. Gomez claims, after speaking up, he was moved to a lesser position and denied overtime pay.
Furthermore, the lawsuits make serious accusations detailed by attorney Brad Gage, including Harris's alleged use of racial slurs and engaging in sexual liaisons within his office, where he supposedly installed a Murphy bed disguised as a cabinet. Allegations also point to the existence of internal gangs within the Pasadena Police Department.
In response to the claims, the city of Pasadena issued a statement, which was shared by ABC7, emphasizing a commitment to handling these allegations seriously and through appropriate legal channels. Chief Harris himself, in a statement reported by Pasadena Star-News, welcomed the review process, stating, "I remain committed to transparency, accountability and service and I trust the truth will come to light."
As the city reviews the claims, the implications of these lawsuits extend beyond the individuals involved, posing questions of accountability and ethics within the Pasadena Police Department. The Police Chief, who was hired in 2022 and had previously been cleared of harassment allegations in San Gabriel, now faces renewed scrutiny under the unfolding legal process.
