A civil lawsuit has been filed against a high-ranking aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, alleging sexual harassment and retaliatory behavior.
The plaintiff, Roxanne Ludemann, a former sergeant with the New York Police Department (NYPD), claims that Tim Pearson, a senior advisor and a confidant to the mayor, exhibited inappropriate behavior, including unwelcome physical contact and advances, particularly through 2022 and 2023.
Pearson, who at the time was an influential figure in the mayor’s team with an annual salary nearing $250,000, is accused of creating a hostile work environment for the woman after she rebuffed his advances.
The lawsuit, which was first reported to the Daily News on Thursday, March 21st, also named the city of New York, the NYPD, and NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey as defendants.
The lawsuit alleges that in one incident at a December 2022 office party, NYPD Deputy Chief Miltiadis “Milt” Marmara, Ludemann’s superior, observed Pearson rubbing Ludemann’s arm.
Following this incident, Marmara encouraged Ludemann to file a complaint, and he reportedly supported Ludemann when Pearson allegedly hindered her promotion in 2023.
The plaintiff alleges that Maddrey collaborated with Pearson to obstruct her career progression as a form of retaliation.
Expressing her ordeal, Ludemann told Daily News, “I want what happened to come to light — that it started with me saying ‘no’ and doing the right thing, and the NYPD allowed this man to destroy my career and traumatize me.”
An NYPD spokesperson declined to comment on pending litigation, stating, “The department does not tolerate discrimination or sexual harassment in any form and is committed to respectful work environments for our diverse workforce.”
This legal action surfaces just days after another complaint was lodged against Mayor Adams himself, accusing him of sexual assault in an incident dating back to 1993, an accusation he has denied.
In response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson for Mayor Adams defended Pearson’s long-standing service record and highlighted his contributions to public safety, including on September 11, 2001.
“Tim Pearson has had a long and distinguished career…The allegations were referred to City Hall’s Office of Equal Employment Opportunity…The individual chose not to cooperate in any investigation; thus, none of her claims could be substantiated,” said Kayla Mamelak, a spokesperson for Mayor Adams.
The lawsuit also follows reports of Pearson’s involvement in a physical altercation with a security guard at a migrant shelter in October last year.
Politico recently disclosed that he reportedly stalled the opening of Floyd Bennett Field for migrant tents while attempting to secure a security contract for a friend of Adams at the site, a deal that ultimately did not materialize.
Ludemann alleges that she suffered a loss exceeding $2 million in future wages due to the retaliatory action.
She said, “You give so many years to the organization, and they always say they have your back. But we found out that’s not the case. You see what’s really behind the curtain.”
