Gettysburg officer accused of harassment placed on leave

(Gettysburg) — A Gettysburg officer accused of sexually harassing his female colleague has been placed on leave, a borough official confirmed Monday.

Officer Michael Carricato was placed on paid administrative leave March 15, said Gettysburg Mayor Theodore Streeter, who oversees the police department.

Gettysburg’s only female police officer, Brandi Courtesis, filed a federal lawsuit Feb. 14 against the borough and several officers, including Carricato, for allegedly discriminating against her gender and retaliating against her after she complained of sexual harassment.

Courtesis alleges she was repeatedly ignored for two years by her superiors when she complained that Carricato was sexually harassing her. She is seeking $100,000 in damages.

The borough has hired outside law enforcement consultant Carl Segatti to conduct an investigation into the situation.

Carricato’s administrative leave was based upon recommendations from the borough’s attorneys until the investigation has been resolved, Streeter said.

“Administrative leave is not an allegation of guilt,” Streeter said, adding that there is not a clear timeline for Segatti to complete the investigation.

No other officers have been place on leave, he said.

This article is part of a partnership between WITF and the Hanover Evening Sun.