SALEM, Ohio - A former dispatcher for the City of Salem says he experienced gender discrimination while working in the police department, according to a lawsuit filed Friday in the in Columbiana County Court of Common Pleas.

The lawsuit, filed by Joshua Kruegel, names the City of Salem, Police Chief J.T. Panezott, and dispatch department supervisor Lindsay Fraas.

According to the lawsuit, Kruegel approached Fraas in December 2022 to discuss a scheduling matter. It alleges that in an effort to harass Kruegel, Fraas told him she preferred "an all-female atmosphere," and that he was a "negative male presence."

The suit alleges that Kruegel informed Fraas's supervisor about the interaction, but the supervisor did not follow proper protocol to investigate the matter and told Kruegel, "it's just the way that it is."

In January 2023, the lawsuit claims Kruegel told Panezott about harassment from Fraas, including emails and text messages.

The suit claims Panezott failed to investigate the matter further and did not discipline Fraas.

Kruegel sent a letter to Mayor Cyndi Dickey and Law Director Brook Zellers in March, explaining how he was treated at the department, according to the lawsuit. The suit claims Kruegel then met with Dickey and Zellers to discuss the alleged gender discrimination, and was told the meeting was confidential.

The suit claims that immediately after this meeting, the mayor informed Chief Panezott about Kruegel's comments.

According to the lawsuit, that Panezott then began to retaliate against Kruegel. The suit claims Panezott told other employees that Kruegel could not be trusted, and that Kruegel was recording every conversation he had with co-workers.

Later that month, the lawsuit claims Kruegel requested a second meeting with Mayor Dickey and Zellers. It alleges that Dickey refused to attend the meeting. Kruegel discussed his concerns with Zellers, detailing more gender-based discrimination and retaliation, according to the lawsuit.

In April 2023, the suit claims Panezott informed Kruegel that his employment was being terminated.

The lawsuit alleges that Panezott did not follow the department's disciplinary policy and claims Kruegel was terminated because of his gender.

Kruegel is seeking $25,000 in damages for each claim, as well as to be reinstated to his job and for his record to be expunged of any negative documentation.

21 News has reached out to the Mayor, the police department, and Kruegel's attorney for comment and is waiting to hear back.