Former Belmar DPW Boss Harassed Employee With Autism: Lawsuit

BELMAR, NJ - A Belmar Department of Public Works employee is suing Belmar Borough and a former boss, alleging he was verbally abused because of his autism and his perceived sexual orientation.

Legal guardians for Colton Hines, 22, of Neptune City, claim that the director of the Belmar Department of Public Works, Michael Campbell Sr., subjected Hines to a hostile and discriminatory work environment for around eight years, according to a complaint filed in Monmouth County Superior Court on Jan. 15.

Campbell Sr. allegedly called Hines, who is also diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome, “stupid face” in more than one instance. He also reportedly questioned his sexuality on multiple occasions, allegedly stating, “I don’t know what your sexual preference is … are you going to start wearing a skirt next … are you into girls or boys?” after Hines grew out his hair.

Another incident detailed in the lawsuit alleges that, when Hines and co-workers were exchanging banter, Campbell yelled, “Colton, I don’t know what your sexual preference is, I don’t care, knock it the f--- off, this is the last warning, I won’t even tell you, I’ll just terminate you.”

According to the lawsuit, Campbell has repeatedly threatened to fire Hines, including threatening to fire his employee for missing a single piece of trash as well as threatening termination six to seven times in one day.

“While Colton was only a seasonal “beach kid,” Campbell would scream at Colton and the beach kids for not cleaning the beach or removing trash and debris to his standards,” the complaint reads.

“Since Colton transitioned to a full-time employee two to three years ago, the discrimination and hostility has only increased in frequency and magnitude. One year ago, Campbell called Colton into his office after a routine DPW project and began berating Colton saying, ‘I don’t give a f---, it should be done this way.’ Campbell continued to scream at Colton, liberally utilizing the f word before threatening to terminate Colton’s employment and saying, ‘get the hell out of my office.’”

Campbell retired from the department in September 2020 after an alleged incident that resulted in Hines' father picking him up from work, the suit says.

After Sept. 23, Hines remained "absent under order of his physician" until around mid-October.

“During this time period, Colton was so upset and distraught from the treatment that he grew anxious when going into Belmar with his dad. Colton’s hands would shake when getting close to the bridge leading into Belmar and would ask Mr. Hines if they really needed to go to Belmar," the complaint reads.

The lawsuit seeks front pay and benefits, back pay, punitive damages, compensatory and emotional stress damages, as well as attorney and legal fees. The suit also seeks to stop the borough from engaging in discrimination.

The plaintiffs are seeking a trial by jury.

Hines is a former gold, silver and bronze medal winner in several Special Olympic sports. His family operates the nonprofit Colton and Friends, which organizes fundraising events (such as the annual surfers healing event in Belmar) to benefit charities for autism.