TRENTON, N.J. — A female New Jersey State Police sergeant who was accused in a lawsuit of sexually harassing a female recruit has been suspended.

Sgt. Christine Shallcross was suspended without pay on Dec. 31 for a “personnel matter,” spokesman Sgt. Stephen Jones said Friday.

Jones declined to elaborate, citing the department’s policy of not discussing ongoing internal investigations.

The 14-year veteran was assigned to the investigations bureau.

Trooper Alexis Hayes filed a federal lawsuit in December alleging that Shallcross sexually harassed her when she was a recruit at the State Police academy.

The suit contends Shallcross once grabbed Hayes’ necktie so hard that the clasp broke off. After graduation, Hayes said Shallcross whispered in Hayes’ ear and kissed her on the cheek.

Attempts to reach Shallcross were unsuccessful and it was not known if she has an attorney.

Hayes also claims she was raped and impregnated in April while on assignment near Pittsburgh as part of a 49-member State Police funeral detail.

According to Hayes, her boss, Lt. Thomas King, got her drunk, waited for her to pass out then somehow obtained a copy of her hotel room key and assaulted her in her room.

King remains suspended without pay.

Hayes has been on paid sick leave since August.