The Hudson County government paid a $125,000 settlement for a late prosecutor’s office detective, just weeks before her passing, to settle a case where she alleged discrimination due to her two pregnancies just weeks before her passing.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
In 2003, Erin Burns Rubas was the first female police officer in Neptune City and she left that job about four years laters to become a detective at the HCPO.
On April 23rd, 2018, she filed a lawsuit alleging that the HCPO retaliated against her by revoking her on-call stipend, taking away her work vehicle, confiscating her crime scene equipment, and passing her over for promotions three times due to her pregnancies.
She resigned less than two weeks later and the settlement didn’t get signed until May 4th. of this year.
The agreement also points out that a federal judge dismissed Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez and Executive Assistant Prosecutor Gene Rubino from the case in 2022.
” … To avoid the possible future costs, burdens, or distractions of litigation, Rubas and the County now desire and, through the execution of this Agreement, intend to dispose of and resolve fully and completely any and all disputes, causes of action, claims, issues, and/or differences between Rubas and the County,” the settlement says.
“Including, but not limited to, those which have arisen, could have arisen out of, and/or are in any way related to the Complaint and/or Rubas’ employment with the County, Separation from employment with the County, and any and all matters that might arise between Rubas and the County as a result of any act that has heretofore occurred.”
The terms of the settlement, which was first published by public records advocate John Paff, indicate that the county does not admit to any wrongdoing, as well as a non-disparagement clause, which is standard procedure in these types of agreements.
Rubas passed away at 44 years old on July 17th, according to her obituary, which mentions that she founded an instructional crime scene school: the Northeast Crime Scene Institute.
Shortly after her death, the Neptune City Police Department paid tribute to her years of service in a Facebook post.
“Erin came from a long line of public servants, including her father, who retired as a Lieutenant with the Wall Township Police Department; her mother, an exceptional nurse at Jersey Shore University Medical Center; and her Grandfather, who retired as a New Jersey State Trooper,” the department wrote.
“As great as a Police Officer as she was, Erin was an even better wife to her loving husband, Mike, and her two amazing sons; who she loved more than anything in this world. Erin, you fought vigorously and valiantly, like a true warrior! You remained positive, never lost hope, and refused to ever give up. You will be missed terribly, but know that you made a positive impact on this world, and the memories of you will last a lifetime.”
Omggggggg!!! I did not know she had passed. Erin was a great detective. She was so strong and compassionate with the bereaved families of homicide victims. She was respectful as well as respected! To her husband and children. May God give you the strength to move forward through life. Just know she made a difference in the lives of those she served. May Erin rest in peace.
So her old department put out a statement like that but the county said there was no wrongdoing then why was there a settlement ?????????? Something doesn’t add up especially HCPO like they have never ever been in the paper for any wrongdoing.