Fulop Ally Violated Sexual Harassment Policies, Taxpayers Face Lawsuit Over ‘Inaction’

The City of Jersey City failed to take meaningful action against a close ally of Mayor Steven Fulop who violated the city’s sexual harassment policies, according to a nine-count lawsuit filed in Hudson County Superior Court.

A former city employee (“M.C.”) alleges that from February 17, 2022, through April 26, 2022, she was sexually harassed by Scott O. Williams, including unwanted advances, inappropriate touching, and explicit comments.

The lawsuit, originally filed on January 25, 2024, claims the combination of harassment and the perceived lack of action by city officials caused M.C. to suffer a severe medical episode, which led to her going on medical leave (April 26, 2022) and eventually resigning (April 14, 2023).

An outside law firm, Cleary, Giacobbe, Alfieri, Jacobs, LLC, investigated M.C.’s allegations against Williams and determined that “sufficient evidence supports a finding that unlawful sexual harassment occurred.” Court records revealed that another female employee’s sexual harassment complaint against Williams was not sustained.

The law firm recommended “minor discipline and anti-harassment training” for Williams. On May 12, 2022, Williams was suspended for five days, which would be spread out over multiple pay periods.

“We purposefully had the allegations reviewed internally and also independently by outside counsel,” said City Spokesperson Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione. “Based on the findings and recommendations from outside counsel, he received a 5-day suspension and related training.”

M.C. unsuccessfully protested the city’s actions by emailing H.R. officials, Mayor Steven Fulop, Chief of Staff John Minella, Business Administrator John Metro, and City Council President Joyce Watterman from May 9, 2022, through June 22, 2022.

In one email, M.C. wrote, “I will not stop until the proper actions are taken. As far as I’m concerned, he will NEVER be allowed to hurt another woman.”

Williams is a political ally of Fulop and was hired by the city shortly after the mayor’s 2021 reelection. During that campaign season, then-Ward F candidate Frank “Educational” Gilmore accused Williams of impersonating a police officer in one of Fulop’s political advertisements.

For timeline context, Williams was hired less than 100 days before M.C. claims the inappropriate conduct began.

Despite the lawsuit, Williams continues to represent the city during council meetings by sharing the same table as the corporate counsel and business administrator. His job title is management assistant, and his salary was $67,500 as of the most recent public payroll available.

Superior Court Judge Anthony V. D’Elia has so far opposed efforts by the city to dismiss the lawsuit.

Disclaimer: We are not publishing the victim’s name to protect their privacy.