NEW BRUNSWICK – The former Rutgers Cancer Institute surgeon accused of spying on women in a restroom is being sued — again.

Maureen Denman filed a lawsuit in state Superior Court in Middlesex County on Sept. 10 against the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University, Rutgers Health Services and multiple Jane Does.

The lawsuit was also filed against Dr. James Goydos, the former professor of surgery at the cancer institute who is charged in a 160-count indictment alleging he surreptitiously installed video cameras in a women's restroom at the cancer institute. The lawsuit also names Joy London, the associate director of finance at the cancer institute, and Linda Tanzer, the chief administrative and operating officer.

Denman, of Morristown, hired as a human research services budget analyst at the cancer institute in May 2017, alleges in the lawsuit that she was wrongfully terminated and retaliated against for raising concerns to her superiors about their handling of the allegations against Goydos.

When Denman first began working at Rutgers Cancer Institute, she was placed on a “probationary period” per usual protocol.

But, according to her lawsuit, when Denman asked London around Aug. 13, 2017 about her employment status, London said there were no problems and Denman would not receive any further written confirmation of her employment.

Around Dec. 15, 2017, about six months into her job, Denman again asked London about the status of the probationary period but was told she was doing a “great job,” according to the lawsuit.

Around this time Denman noticed an "oddly substantial police presence around her office," according to the lawsuit.

In November 2017, she saw "two undercover detectives walking around the hospital; their presence was made obvious by the badges hanging around their necks," the lawsuit states.

At no time did the cancer institute "ever inform or notify its employees regarding these conspicuous sightings" or why the detectives were there, the lawsuit claims.

Spy cameras

In late December 2017, however, Denman was "shocked" to learn the reason for the detectives – "surreptitious cameras had been discovered in the second-floor women’s restroom," the lawsuit states. "Even more appalling, however, was the fact that the cameras had been purposely installed to spy on female employees and patients."

The next month, nearly everyone from the "front door greeter to the nursing staff" had become aware of the "camera-spying incident" and the investigation.

The cancer institute, however, "still failed to notify its employees, particularly its female employees, of the incident, failed to discuss or clarify same and neglected to put any plans in place to address the egregious violations or to prevent similar behaviors in the future," the lawsuit contends.

In April 2018, "employee exasperation had reached a high, as law enforcement continued to swarm" the cancer institute, but no official statements were made about what was occurring, according to the lawsuit.

Officials at the cancer institute "exhibited very little to no regard for the protection and safety of the female employees during this time period," the lawsuit states.

Because of this, the lawsuit states, Denman approached London with her concerns of the illegal cameras, but London "dismissed" the concerns and told Denman to “relax.”

Denman tried to explain to London "that anyone could have access to lewd images of her or other employees in the women’s restroom via the internet," but London told her she was being “dramatic,” according to the lawsuit.

London also claimed to be unaware of the cameras, the lawsuit states.

'Lack of oversight'

Denman then brought her concerns to the human resources department, which resulted in an unscheduled meeting with Tanzer.

Tanzer and the human resources representative then proceeded to "interrogate" Denman about her complaints about the cameras and "the lack of oversight and proper management."

A few hours later, London began sending Denman emails requesting “immediate” updates on more than a dozen budget agreements, according to the lawsuit. Denman had worked on more than 50 similar contracts but had "never previously been asked about any" by London.

"Still paralyzed with anxiety and fear from her hostile meeting," Denman responded to the "barrage of harassing" emails. After Denman confirmed she had responded to all the emails, she realized she had forgotten to send one update.

It was this confusion over the email that led to her termination three weeks later, according to the lawsuit.

On the following day, Denman met with Tanzer who "immediately berated and disparaged her." A human resources staffer told her that termination would be "woefully disproportionate to the small error."

But Denman believe she was fired based on her complaints about the cameras in the restroom.

EARLIER:Rutgers RWJ doctor charged with recording women in bathroom, identity theft in 160-count indictment

According to her lawsuit, Denman's supervisors harassed her and "subjected her to heightened scrutiny, bogus discipline, and an unlawful termination after she complained about her hostile work environment."

The conduct was "severe and pervasive enough to make a reasonable woman believe that the conditions of her employment were altered and that the working environment was intimidating, hostile and abusive," according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges six counts against the defendants, including gender discrimination, retaliation and invasion of privacy.

EARLIER:Ex-Rutgers professor charged with filming women in bathroom alleges he was set up

Denman is seeking a settlement for seniority level back pay and front pay, restitution of all seniority and all employee benefits that may have been lost, compensatory damages for pain and suffering as well as loss of earnings and other employee benefits. She is also seeking damages for reputational and career development injury, consequential damages, incidental damages, punitive damages and attorneys’ fees and costs of suit.

She is represented by attorney Gina Mendola Longarzo. Rutgers University declined to comment, citing policy on pending litigation.

The criminal case against Goydos, who lives in East Brunswick, is still ongoing, as is a class action lawsuit filed by at least 28 people in state Superior Court.

"Dr. James Goydos is innocent of all charges lodged against him by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and looks forward to proving so in a court of law," Goydos' attorney, Orlando do Campo, previously said in a statement.

Goydos' own federal civil lawsuit filed against the cancer institute alleging a setup is also ongoing.

Staff Writer Nick Muscavage is an award-winning watchdog reporter whose work spans many topics and has spurred the creation of a state law. Contact him: 908-243-6615; ngmuscavage@gannettnj.com; @nmuscavage.