MANALAPAN - A long-time township patrolman claims in a lawsuit that he was targeted for firing by the police chief after the patrolman reported the chief's "sexually charged improper conduct" at an off-duty hockey game.

Chief Michael Fountain is accused in the suit of engaging in a "relentless and personal vendetta" against Police Officer Edward Hedden, 43.

Hedden filed suit last week against the department, township and Fountain, alleging discrimination and violations of the state whistleblower protection law, which protects employees from retaliation after reporting violations.

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The alleged incidents took place during a trip by the Manalapan Hockey Club — which includes a team of police officers — to a tournament in Toms River. Fountain is listed as the club's vice president, according to its IRS filing.

The suit claims Fountain openly discussing or promoting sexual acts involving his unnamed girlfriend. During the March 9 game, he allegedly ordered players to grab his girlfriend's buttocks if they scored a goal or her breasts if they scored a hat trick, or three goals.

Later that night, during a party at the Miracle Pub in Toms River, Fountain told Hedden's wife that he planned to "punish his girlfriend's (expletive) and blow a (expletive) in her face," according to the suit.

Hedden reported the incidents to the Manalapan Police internal affairs division, first anonymously and later by name, the suit stated. Hedden asked for a meeting with both Fountain and internal affairs officers, during which Fountain allegedly suggested that Hedden's wife "should not have been offended ... because he saw that she hosted passion parties" on Facebook, the suit stated.

"Fountain further explained that he thought he was amongst friends at the Miracle Pub. Fountain was shocked that (Hedden) dared to report his wholly improper conduct," the complaint stated. Hedden was suspended that day, with Fountain noting that it was "because he could not believe a friend would tell on him," the suit claimed.

Fountain did not return requests for comment.

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On April 30, Hedden was declared fit to return to duty but Fountain "openly stated" that he would go to "any lengths" to stop Hedden's return, according to the complaint.

In June, the suit claimed that Fountain allegedly informed the Monmouth Prosecutor's Office that members of the Policemen's Benevolent Association Local No. 229 — a union representing Manalapan police officers, of which Hedden serves as president — had complained to him that Hedden was "misappropriating funds."

The prosecutor's office refused to investigate the matter and suggested the PBA have their finances "double-checked," according to the complaint.

In an email, Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office spokesman Chris Swendeman confirmed the office's involvement but deemed it an "open investigation" and declined to comment further.

"Fountain has unleashed a relentless and personal vendetta against (Hedden) under which he has promised to find a way to have (Hedden) fired," the complaint stated. "As a result of Fountain's conduct, (Hedden) has been subjected to unwarranted suspension and threats of baseless administrative charges, disciplinary action and termination, the suit claims.

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"Fountain's actions indicate that he is hell-bent on terminating (Hedden) at any and all costs including fabricating accusations against him in retaliation for (Hedden) crossing the 'thin blue line' by filing a complaint regarding Fountain's sexually charged improper conduct," the complaint stated.

In the complaint, Hedden also alleges that Fountain instituted an "administrative day" scheme, in which officers were given days off instead of overtime. Fountain "lambasted" Hedden after the scheme was reported to the township, the suit claims.

"Fountain slammed his wallet on the desk in front of him and screamed at (Hedden) that his badge is bigger than (Hedden's) and who was he to notify Manalapan about a practice that was a secret amongst the members of the MPD," the complaint stated.

Manalapan Mayor Jack McNaboe declined to comment on the case. In an email, Township Attorney Roger McLaughlin said Hedden's allegations had been "thoroughly investigated" and most were "found to be without basis.

"He threatened to file this lawsuit unless the township allowed him to retire on an enhanced basis that he was not entitled to in order to increase his retirement benefits," McLaughlin said. "The township will not be intimidated or allow its taxpayers to be burdened by increased retirement costs because of such threats.

"Manalapan will vigorously defend this lawsuit and has sent it to its insurance company to handle," McLaughlin said.

Mike Davis; @byMikeDavis: 732-643-4223; mdavis@gannettnj.com