Police chief takes Village of Timberlake to court in lawsuit

VILLAGE OF TIMBERLAKE, Ohio (WOIO) - The police chief of a Lake County village is taking her employer to court over allegations of sex discrimination, discrimination based on religion, retaliation, and age discrimination.

In the complaint filed in February, Chief Susan Scofield alleges that Mayor John Marra pushed for her retirement, tried to influence her dating life, and tried to get involved in her diet, pushing for a plant-based one.

The Lake County documents span the year and paint a picture of a lively discovery process, raising more allegations about the mayor’s conduct.

In one document, Scofield describes a conversation in June of 2023 between herself and the mayor.

The chief accuses the mayor of saying she should leave the position, should adopt a new eating regimen, date different people, and support him in an election.

19 News reached out to both sides for an interview, which both sides declined.

However, Mayor Marra did respond with a statement.

The safety of the Village of Timberlake’s citizens and members of its police force are of the upmost importance to Village Council and this lawsuit will not compromise these values. The Village denies the allegations that it has discriminated or retaliated against Chief Scofield. Furthermore, the Village is disappointed that Chief Scofield did not allow either the Ohio Civil Rights Commission or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, agencies created to investigate and enforce anti-discrimination laws, from investigating her claims. Nonetheless, the Village is confident that the legal process will show that the Village acted appropriately. There will be no further comment while the case is pending.

The complaint concluded with Scofield demanding a jury trial to settle the matter.