Greece, N.Y. (WHAM) — The Town of Greece is facing a lawsuit over allegations of intimidation and the use of tracking devices on vehicles, linked to an alleged pay-to-play scheme involving a former deputy supervisor and a high-ranking police department member.
Tina Bachman, who worked as a housekeeper for the daughter and son-in-law of former Deputy Town Supervisor Michelle Marini, filed the lawsuit claiming her vehicles were tracked using GPS devices. According to the lawsuit, the town used “a warrantless GPS tracker to conduct 24-hour and 7-day-a-week surveillance on the family” and employed private investigators to assist in the surveillance.
Maureen Bass, Tina Bachman’s attorney, shared photos with 13WHAM of the alleged tracking devices.
“This is a concern,” said Jeff McCann, a Democratic candidate for Greece town supervisor. “And this should be a concern to everybody that lives in the town of Greece.”
Bachman’s husband, Matthew, who is a longtime Greece police officer, is also allegedly impacted by the surveillance and fears losing his job. The lawsuit claims two internal affairs investigations were opened against officer Bachman while he was on disability leave, suggesting they were intended to justify the surveillance and harassment of the Bachman family.
“It’s off the rails,” Bass said. “It’s this off the rails when you have a police department that’s been weaponized to do officials’ business and to pursue their pursuits and their interest instead of being law enforcement.”
The lawsuit also alleges that Deputy Greece Police Chief Aaron Springer interrogated neighbors, friends and family members about the Bachmans’ housekeeping business and marriage.
Bass provided screenshots showing that as recently as last week, Springer allegedly checked Tina Bachman’s LinkedIn page.
“Well, it comes to the point where Mrs. Bachman is afraid for her life and for her children’s life,” Bass said.
McCann believes an independent investigation is necessary.
“I think that would send a message that they’re taking this seriously, and that they’re going to hold people accountable,” he said. “Because the fact that anyone would find this acceptable, is really mind-boggling and just incredibly hard to believe.”
The Town of Greece released a statement saying, “The Town has not been served with the complaint. If that occurs, we will review the lawsuit. As such, the Town will reserve comment at this time.”
The full lawsuit is attached below:
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