BRIDGETON -- Cumberland County will pay $275,000 to settle a harassment suit filed by a detective from the prosecutor's office.

Cumberland County freeholders have voted to settle a harassment suit. (File Photo)

Freeholders unanimously approved the settlement Tuesday night.

Det. Lynn Wehling sued in 2013 claiming she had been subject to inappropriate comments about her gender and sexual orientation from a colleague, Det. Sgt. George Chopek, according to court records.

Wehling had originally sought $2.5 million in damages.

"This is not the happiest of results, but one we feel is a reasonable solution and most appropriate at this time," said Cumberland County Solicitor Ted Baker.

Given how much it could have cost the county if the case had gone to trial, Baker said this was a "cost-efficient" move.

In 2009 Chopek became Wehling's immediate supervisor in the Narcotics Bureau and began harassing Wehling, according to Wehling's suit.

"Sergeant Chopek openly called (Wehling) 'gay' and referred to her as 'a guy,' 'sir,' and 'dude' in public and in front of other members of the Narcotics Unit," Wehling's claim said.

Chopek, who at the time was Wehling's neighbor, also is alleged to have routinely made comments about Wehling's sex life.

In one case, Wehling's claim said, Chopek allegedly made inappropriate comments in when the two were transporting prisoners from Millville to the Cumberland County Jail in Bridgeton.

"In response to his comments, the prisoners laughed at (Wehling), both humiliating her and reducing her authority over them," the suit said.

Wehling said she filed reports against Chopek to have him transferred, but no action was taken.

Eventually Wehling moved to another unit in the prosecutor's office, but despite Chopek not being her supervisor, they were still located in the same building and Chopek allegedly continued to harass her, her court filing said.

In a meeting on July 11, 2011, Wheling's suit alleged, Chopek questioned Wehling's relationship with a female who visited her house. He claimed to see the two through her window and admitted to fantasizing about them, according to the complaint.

Baker said between $95,000 and $100,000 of the award will be provided by insurance and the remainder will come from county coffers.

Both Wehling and Chopek still work for the prosecutor's office, but in separate buildings, Baker said.

Chopek is still facing a disciplinary hearing, according to Baker.

Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae declined comment, referring all questions to Baker.

Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.