Lin-Rodriguez files counterclaim against Muniz: ‘A pattern of severe abuse’

Hudson County Schools of Technology Superintendent Amy Lin-Rodriguez has responded to the lawsuit filed by Board Secretary Joey Muniz in December, claiming that he “engaged in a pattern of severe abuse.”

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

Lin-Rodriguez, the top official at the HCST since 2018, admits in her counterclaim, filed in Hudson County Superior Court on Tuesday, that she and Muniz began an extramarital affair in 2006, but claims that it was not a healthy relationship.

“Throughout the relationship, Ms. Lin-Rodriguez consistently performed her duties as Superintendent diligently and professionally, ensuring that her responsibilities were never affected by her relationship with Mr. Muniz,” the court filing says.

“In stark contrast, Mr. Muniz engaged in a pattern of severe abuse, hostility, and harassment toward Ms. Lin-Rodriguez; constantly referring to her in sexually-degrading terms, storming into her office and slamming the door, yelling at and threatening her in earshot of other HCST employees, and leaving her in tears from his persistent intimidation and abusive and violent outbursts.”

Through her attorneys Ray Mateo, Richard Spatola, and Corey Repasy, all of the law firm Calcagni & Kanefsky, Lin-Rodriguez further declares that Muniz often angrily stormed into the office, and in one instance, threw items on her desk onto the floor.

She also said that she decided to end the relationship in 2022 due to the constant “abuse and harassment,” while Muniz said in his lawsuit that the relationship ended in April 2024 after he refused to leave his wife for her.

“Thereafter, Mr. Muniz’s harassment of her in the workplace only escalated. It included unwelcome sexual advances and sexually-degrading comments, hurling job-related threats, and bombarding her phone with unwelcome calls and offensive and upsetting text messages,” according to the counterclaim.

“The workplace became a source of constant anxiety and distress, as Ms. Lin-Rodriguez was forced to endure Mr. Muniz’s ongoing harassment. For example, Mr. Muniz repeatedly pressed her to resume their extramarital relationship. When Ms. Lin-Rodriguez refused, he threatened to ‘take her down’ and claimed to have the political power to have her removed as Superintendent.”

She also declares it was not uncommon for Muniz to call her a “slut,” “c*** mother******,” and to tell her to “go f*** herself.”

Furthermore, Lin-Rodriguez includes a number of alleged text message exchanges between her and Muniz.

For example, a March 9th, 2024, Muniz allegedly texted her “sex is great with you” 11 times in succession when she asked him not to send invites for HCST Foundation events.

“This outrageous conduct, intended to upset and unnerve Ms. Lin-Rodriguez, was not an isolated incident – it was a common occurrence in the workplace that often left Ms. Lin- Rodriguez fearful and panicked for her safety,” the counterclaim declares.

She also asserts that Muniz would text and email her that he loves her and still has romantic feelings and would become irate when she did not reciprocate.

Through the court filing, Lin-Rodriguez says she informed then-HSCT Board Trustee Hugo Cabrera, also a North Bergen commissioner, about Muniz’s conduct dating back to June 2024, but the board never took any action about the allegedly abusive behavior.

She also contests the circumstances of the November 25th, 2024 interaction that led to Muniz being suspended, disputing that she was not the one who lost her temper and/or was unprofessional over their previous relationship.

“While Ms. Lin-Rodriguez had before experienced Mr. Muniz’s anger, she was jarred by his overt rage,” the counterclaim states, also indicating that Muniz had told her he loved her and wanted to resume their extramarital affair in the days leading up to this.

“In fear for her safety, Ms. Lin-Rodriguez asked him to leave, prompting him to shove his finger in her face and call her a ‘c*** mother******’ and threateningly exclaim[ed] ‘Just wait and see what I am going to do to you!'”

She then brought the attention to the director of human resources, who encouraged her to discuss the matter with counsel for the schools.

“After Ms. Lin-Rodriguez advised HCST counsel of Mr. Muniz’s abuse and harassment, the Board insisted that he be suspended,” the counterclaim says.

“The Board further insisted that Ms. Lin- Rodriguez sign the letter suspending Mr. Muniz even though she was the target and victim of his abuse and hostility and fearful of his anger and retaliation.”

Additionally, Lin-Rodriguez said the relationship between her and Muniz was known by HCST employees and board members, and even after contacting Cabrera about the harassment again in July, the board did not intervene.

“I do not need Joe coming to my office pointing his finger at me. . . It’s now harassing and it is affecting my child. He needs to stop. He has no respect for others and especially my role,” she allegedly told Cabrera in a July 18th, 2024 text message.

She also claims that the indemnification clause in her contract that mandates the board pay for her counsel is not being adhered to.

Lin-Rodriguez alleges that the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination was violated, as was the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act, with Muniz aiding and abetting sexual harassment, as well as intentional infliction of emotional distress.

As a result, demands judgment awarding compensatory damages including but not limited to emotional distress damages, punitive damages, interest, costs of suit, and attorneys’ fees, along with any other relief the court deems just and proper.

Lin-Rodriguez was also suspended after Muniz filed his lawsuit and Joe Sirangelo was appointed the acting superintendent and Trustee Joe Cossolini as the acting board secretary, as HCV first reported.

Then last month, the HCST board voted not to renew Lin-Rodriguez’s contract, though the possibility to revisit the matter in the future remains.

At the same meeting, they also approved a resolution barring Muniz from communicating with school employees and board members as the litigation is ongoing.

Stephen J. Edelstein, counsel for Muniz, could not be reached at his office and did not immediately return an email seeking comment on Thursday afternoon.