Attorneys for a lieutenant of the Kittery Police Department, as well as for a former town manager, are seeking workplace mediation in a suit filed against them. The suit was filed by a former secretary for the department, who alleges demeaning, inappropriate, and even lewd speech on behalf of the two defendants.

The Parties in This Civil Mediation

The plaintiff's name is Christine McAllister, and she was once employed as secretary to Edward Strong, Kittery's former police chief. The two defendants are Lt. Russell French of the Kittery PD and Jonathan Carter, a former Kittery town manager.

McAllister alleges that the two engaged in lewd speech and even behavior against her. In return, the pair says that McAllister displayed by her own words towards them that she would in no wise be offended by such speech.

McAllister's Reasons for Invoking Mediation Services

Shortly before she was let go from the department, McAllister complained to French about another officer's conduct towards her, claiming that it was inappropriate.

She claims that French called her a “troublemaker” after she spoke to him. She also claims French said that an officer should have sex with her “to do the department a favor”.

Allegations from Both Sides Lead to Workplace Mediation

Carter and French allege that McAllister was acting unprofessional and engaging in her own demeaning behavior that day. They claim that she disobeyed a direct order (she was ordered to leave work), and was then indefinitely suspended for insubordination.

Currently, lawyers for all parties are seeking mediation in order to avoid a long costly court battle.