SEA ISLE CITY –– Mayor Leonard Desiderio and City Council held an emergency closed session meeting Oct. 25 to discuss potential litigation with Chief of Police William Kennedy


After the meeting, Solicitor Paul Baldini issued a statement saying that a temporary restraining order under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act had been entered against the Chief by his wife Phyllis Kennedy.


Superior Court Judge Kyran Connor signed the restraining order, Baldini said.


"No formal action was taken against any city employee,” said Baldini when asked if Chief Kennedy was suspended.



When asked why the city was expecting litigation, Baldini referred to recent online Herald Spout Off postings as an indication.


The Spout Offs suggest a possible relationship between Chief Kennedy and a female employee in the Public Safety Department, of which Mrs. Kennedy became aware.


Baldini said the matter was under review by the county Prosecutor’s Office.


“The city will fully and completely cooperate with that investigation,” he said in the release. “The mayor and council will work together to ensure the city’s interests are protected and any employee involved is handled professionally and fairly.”


See the Oct. 31 Herald print edition for the complete story.


Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com