A former NYPD lieutenant who was accused of masturbating in front of subordinates—but claimed he had jock itch—has cost the city $300,000. Kieran Crowe was found guilty of harassment for "simulated masturbating and wiggled his tongue at [subordinates] in a sexually suggestive manner" at One Police Plaza in 2008, in spite of his dermatologist's testimony. A trial commissioner had said no condition requires "extensive staring at crotches, masturbation gestures, tongue gestures and sighing sounds" and Crowe later quit the force. Now the Daily News reports, "Sgt. Dominic Coppola will receive $175,000 and Sgt. Sean Gallagher $125,000" in the settlement. One of their lawyers said, "Although our clients are satisfied that the litigation is over, it is further proof that the once-silent issue of same-sex harassment is on the rise." more ›

Lt. Kieran Crowe, a 23-year-veteran of the NYPD who was suspended for 60 days without pay for rubbing his crotch, simulating masturbation and wagging his tongue at his male sergeants, announced his retirement today. Crowe had been found guilty of harassment and "creating a lewd, hostile work environment," despite his insistence that he only touched his groin area to relieve his jock itch. In a statement, Crowe struck a defiant tone, saying, "I vehemently deny these charges." But a lawyer for the victims, Sgts. Sean Gallagher and Dominic Coppola, tells the Daily News, "Crowe's word is as good as his jock itch defense." Not to be outdone, Crowe's lawyer retorts, "Does it make sense that this gentle, homosexual man would seek to coerce and seduce two large, burly heterosexuals?" Hmm, does it mean you're gay if that question makes your groin area itch? more ›

A police lieutenant accused of sexual harassment by two subordinates was found guilty of the harassment charge and "creating a lewd, hostile work environment," according to the Daily News. Two sergeants claimed that Lt. Kieran Crowe "simulated masturbating and wiggled his tongue at them in a sexually suggestive manner" at the Police Headquarters office, which "ironically, investigates harassment in the workplace." Crowe had said he had jock itch, even calling a dermatologist to testify. However, a trial commissioner felt no condition involves "extensive staring at crotches, masturbation gestures, tongue gestures and sighing sounds." Crowe was put on probation and suspended for 60 days. Related: Our old favorite, the cop who was fired because his wife laced his meatballs with marijuana so he'd fail a drug test. more ›