Ocean County sheriff accused of retaliation and corruption cover-up in whistleblower lawsuit

In Ocean County, where the sheriff’s badge carries heavy political weight, the fight inside the department may soon become a matter for a jury to decide.

By Shore News Network October 8, 2025

TOMS RIVER, NJ – A high-ranking officer in the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office has filed a sweeping civil rights and whistleblower lawsuit accusing Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy and county officials of retaliating against him for exposing misconduct and challenging illegal practices inside the agency.

The 32-page complaint, filed May 9 in Ocean County Superior Court by Sergeant Peter Glass, alleges that Mastronardy and his command staff punished him for union activity, blocked his promotion, and ignored evidence of time theft and corruption involving senior officers.

Legal stakes for Ocean County

The case has since been transferred to Monmouth County for conflict of interest concerns.

If proven, the case could have broad implications for Ocean County’s law enforcement leadership, raising questions about ethics, retaliation, and the handling of internal complaints under Sheriff Mastronardy’s long tenure.