John Camera, Berkeley Township Administrator is being sued by former Berkeley Township Police Officer Ravino Johnson for discrimination among other claims. Since 1976 Berkeley did not have an African American on the police force until Officer Johnson was hired.

On May 5th, 2021 Officer Johnson was injured on the job causing him to be have temporary restrictions. Officer Johnson made a request for accommodations so he could recover from his work related injury.

On June 12th, 2021 two Berkeley Police Officers went to Officer Johnson’s home delivering a message that he needed to call John Camera. Officer Johnson made the call and was told by Camera he didn’t want to pay for Officer Johnson’s worker comp benefits. Officer Johnson was told to resign and would be terminated whether he resigns or not to, be considered for employment in the department in the future.

On June 18th, 2021 Officer Johnson and Camera met in person and Officer Johnson turned in a pre-typed letter stating “Dear Berkeley Township I am not interested in the position of a police officer at this time but I wish to be considered at another time.” Out of fear of retaliation and pressure, Officer Johnson signed the letter and demanded a copy for his records.

Former Officer Johnson claims he has suffered severe emotional distress as a result of his termination in addition to the loss of wages since his termination. Johnson alleges his termination was a concerted effort to discriminate against him because of his race. Former Officer Johnson maintains he has suffered from damages related to pain and suffering that are now permanent and feels he has been disgraced, humiliated, denigrated and as a result, he has lost his dignity. Former Officer Johnson claims he suffered severe emotional distress as a result of being shunned and marginalized.