Full Breakdown
Allegations of Sexual Harassment and Retaliation in NYPD's Bronx Evidence Collection Unit
4/18/2026, 10:01:38 PM
Disturbing Claims of a Peephole and Harassment
A lawsuit filed by Sergeant Joleen Lozano against the New York Police Department (NYPD) alleges that male supervisors in the Bronx Evidence Collection Unit engaged in inappropriate behavior, including spying on female officers through a peephole drilled into a wall. Lozano discovered the hole while preparing to log into a computer in a shared supervisors’ office at the 49 Precinct station house. The lawsuit claims that this peephole allowed male supervisors to watch female officers undress in the locker room, a situation reminiscent of the film “Porky’s.” Lozano reported the incident to Internal Affairs and subsequently filed sexual harassment complaints against Sergeant Hubert Vandewerp, who allegedly made derogatory comments towards her and other female colleagues.
Additional Allegations and Legal Actions
Following Lozano's claims, another female officer, Vonnavowsky Sanchez, filed a separate sexual harassment lawsuit against Vandewerp and other supervisors in December. Sanchez's lawsuit details further instances of harassment, including Vandewerp's explicit remarks about female officers' appearances and inappropriate behavior, such as mimicking them in a sexually suggestive manner. Additionally, Lieutenant Gerson Cabrera is accused of making sexually explicit comments and engaging in inappropriate conduct towards Sanchez. The lawsuits highlight a pattern of alleged misconduct within the unit, raising serious concerns about the workplace environment for female officers.
Retaliation and Consequences
Both Lozano and Sanchez reported experiencing retaliation after filing their complaints. Lozano claims that after her reports, she found a rat doll in her drawer and faced a reduction in overtime hours. She was later transferred back to patrol duties. Sanchez, who remains an active officer, described an incident where Cabrera stood too close to her desk, creating an uncomfortable situation. The lawsuits seek unspecified damages for the alleged harassment and retaliation faced by the officers.
Official Responses and Ongoing Investigations
In response to the allegations, the NYPD stated that the claims are under "internal review" and emphasized its commitment to maintaining a respectful work environment. A spokesperson noted that the department does not tolerate sexual harassment and investigates all complaints thoroughly. However, Lozano's attorney, John Scola, criticized the department's handling of the situation, asserting that the women faced punitive measures from a command structure that protected the alleged harassers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These brave women reported rampant sexual harassment within the NYPD’s Bronx Evidence Collection Unit, only to face retaliation and punitive discipline from a chain of command that shielded the harassers,” — John Scola, Attorney
- “I really have no comment because the lawsuit is all fake stuff,” — Sgt. Hubert Vandewerp
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Lozano and Sanchez's lawsuits present detailed allegations of harassment, the responses from the accused, particularly Vandewerp's denial of the claims, highlight a significant discrepancy in narratives. The NYPD's internal review process remains ongoing, and further developments may clarify the situation.
