Local
South Kingstown lieutenant seeks damages over discipline case that was later dropped
Lt. James Krajewski’s federal lawsuit alleges the town, police department and Chief Matthew Moynihan wrongfully pursued misconduct claims that cost him work opportunities and harmed his reputation. His attorney says Officer Bethany Dolock, who was also suspended, plans to file a similar suit.
A South Kingstown police lieutenant has sued the town, the police department and Police Chief Matthew Moynihan, alleging they maliciously pursued misconduct allegations that were later dropped.
Lt. James Krajewski filed the federal lawsuit Thursday in Providence. He is seeking damages and a public statement from the town clearing his name, according to the complaint. His attorney, Lisa Holley, said she planned to file a similar lawsuit Friday for Officer Bethany Dolock, who was suspended alongside Krajewski.
The officers were placed on paid leave in 2025 while the department brought allegations before the state police disciplinary board. The department later withdrew the claims after hearings began. The officers returned to work but were moved out of the department’s prosecution unit.
Krajewski and Dolock had worked as prosecution officers, handling cases for the department. The allegations concerned a practice in which some people arrested for minor, first-offense offenses could avoid court by making charitable donations or completing community service. Krajewski’s complaint says the practice was longstanding, that officers did not personally receive money and that he received none from the resolutions.
The complaint says Krajewski lost overtime, paid details, training and promotional eligibility while suspended. It also alleges lasting damage to his reputation and career prospects, as well as emotional and physical effects. The lawsuit accuses Moynihan of acting with malice and reckless disregard for Krajewski’s rights, and says the lieutenant was told he was under criminal investigation despite there being no such investigation.
The complaint further alleges that the Rhode Island attorney general and U.S. attorney declined to bring criminal charges after Moynihan contacted them. Those are claims in the lawsuit, not findings by a court.
When the disciplinary case was underway, Moynihan described the officers’ conduct as “egregious administrative violations.” After the allegations were dropped, the department’s lawyer said that did not mean the officers had been exonerated.
Moynihan said Thursday he had not seen the lawsuit and had no response, referring questions to the town solicitor. He is scheduled to retire in early November.