Former Black N.J. officer wins $1.185M settlement after alleging retaliation for reporting captain’s alleged use of n-word

ASBURY PARK, N.J. — A former Black Asbury Park police officer will receive $1.185 million after alleging he faced retaliation for reporting a captain’s alleged use of the N‑word during a police radio transmission. The settlement, confirmed in public records, was first reported by Transparency NJ.

According to the lawsuit filed in June 2022, Ahmed Lawson, who served with the department for 18 years, said he heard then‑Captain John Crescio use the slur while Lawson worked a road detail in 2022. Lawson reported the incident to Internal Affairs. Several officers later said they also heard the transmission, including Lt. Michael Barnes and Officer Jesse Kendle.

Lawsuit Against Asbury Park Police Alleged Retaliation and Denied Promotion

Lawson claimed the department retaliated after he reported the slur. He said he was denied a promotion to sergeant despite ranking second on the Civil Service list. His lawsuit alleged the department left two sergeant positions vacant rather than promote him or another top candidate.

The city agreed to settle the case on June 15, 2026, without admitting wrongdoing. Lawson retired in 2024. His attorney told NJ.com the matter was “amicably resolved,” and Lawson is preparing for the next phase of his life.

Captain Denied Using Slur

Crescio denied using the racial slur. During a deposition, he said his radio microphone accidentally activated while he discussed deer hunting with another city employee. He said the allegation was false and called Lawson “an outright liar.”

After learning of the complaint, Crescio filed Internal Affairs complaints against Lawson, Barnes, and Kendle, accusing them of conspiring to fabricate charges. However, an investigator with the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office later concluded the transmission sounded like Crescio used the slur, though the office did not sustain the complaint.

Asbury Park Police Department Faced Multiple Racism Allegations

The settlement comes after a decade of racism related lawsuits involving the Asbury Park Police Department. New Jersey 101.5 reported that at least five cases alleged discrimination or retaliation. In 2023, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office appointed an internal monitor following repeated claims of systemic racism, including allegations that some white officers were part of a group called the “CRAB Club,” meaning “Crazy Racists Against Blacks.”

Lawson’s lawsuit also alleged broader racial issues within the department, including claims that minority officers faced barriers to advancement. The city denied all allegations of racism.

Settlement Marks Significant Moment for Accountability

Lawson’s case adds to ongoing scrutiny of the department’s internal culture. Although Crescio was ultimately exonerated in the Internal Affairs investigation, Lawson’s settlement underscores concerns raised by multiple officers over several years.

City officials did not comment on the settlement. The payout will be issued in four installments, according to public records.