An NYPD officer reported she was being sexually harassed. She lost a month of pay and was forced into rehab.
He was docked 10 vacation days and transferred. buzzfeed.com/kendalltaggart…
He was docked 10 vacation days and transferred. buzzfeed.com/kendalltaggart…
Jazmia Inserillo was an officer in Queens when she alleged Lt. Jason Margolis touched her inappropriately and made lewd comments.
After years of it — and what she believed was retaliation for refusing his advances — she made an anonymous complaint.
After years of it — and what she believed was retaliation for refusing his advances — she made an anonymous complaint.
Word of her complaint soon trickled out and Inserillo found herself being disciplined for minor infractions — despite having never gotten into trouble before.
She also found herself ostracized by fellow officers and found "bitch" written across a prayer verse on her locker.
She also found herself ostracized by fellow officers and found "bitch" written across a prayer verse on her locker.
Inserillo was ordered to see an NYPD psychologist, who determined she needed an alcohol evaluation.
But Inserillo said that evaluation is false and she rarely drinks — something several fellow officers would eventually testify to.
But Inserillo said that evaluation is false and she rarely drinks — something several fellow officers would eventually testify to.
She was ultimately ordered to attend treatment or face a 30-day unpaid suspension. She chose the suspension and was investigated for disobeying an order.
After 30 days, Inserillo was given the same ultimatum. She couldn't afford another suspension, so she chose treatment.
After 30 days, Inserillo was given the same ultimatum. She couldn't afford another suspension, so she chose treatment.
Lt. Margolis denied all allegations against him. NYPD found he inappropriately touched Inserillo — but only punished him for telling people about the investigation, not harassment. He was docked 10 vacation days and transferred.
Inserillo, on the other hand, was transferred to what was known as a "dumping ground" unit and found guilty of failing to “comply with an order" — meaning her month without pay would stand.
A few years later, Inserillo left the NYPD and New York City altogether: “If I see something wrong, I say something, and in law enforcement they don’t like that.”
Lt. Margolis retired in 2016 after 20 years on the force with a full pension. buzzfeed.com/kendalltaggart…
Lt. Margolis retired in 2016 after 20 years on the force with a full pension. buzzfeed.com/kendalltaggart…
Jazmia Inserillo's story is one of many detailing the NYPD's uneven and unaccountable disciplinary process.
Prior reporting by BuzzFeed News has shown some officers who have committed serious offenses were allowed to keep their jobs. buzzfeed.com/kendalltaggart…
Prior reporting by BuzzFeed News has shown some officers who have committed serious offenses were allowed to keep their jobs. buzzfeed.com/kendalltaggart…
