Mendon Town Supervisor and Councilmembers Call for Immediate Resignation of Highway Superintendent Following Independent Investigation Uncovering Sexual Harassment, Workplace Violence, and Retaliation

Independent Investigation Uncovers Misconduct, Prompting Calls for Immediate Resignation from Majority of Town Board

Mendon Town Supervisor John Moffitt, with the support of Town Board members Brent Rosiek, Kim Roberts and Jim Merzke, is calling for the immediate resignation of Mendon Highway Superintendent Andy Caschetta following the conclusion of an independent investigation that uncovered credible and damning evidence of Sexual Harassment, Workplace Violence, and Retaliation. The investigation’s findings
confirm that Mr. Caschetta fostered a toxic, hostile work environment, endangering employees and violating the public trust.

“Elected leaders have a duty to uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and professionalism,” said Supervisor John Moffitt. “The evidence uncovered in this investigation is deeply troubling and completely unacceptable in any workplace—especially in a taxpayer-funded public office. Mr. Caschetta’s continued presence in this role is an insult to the hardworking employees of the Town of
Mendon and our residents. He must resign immediately.”

The investigation, authorized by the Mendon Town Board and conducted by Bolaños Lowe PLLC, details specific and repeated acts of sexual harassment, threats of workplace violence, and retaliatory behavior against employees. These findings follow multiple formal complaints filed by a majority of the employees under Mr. Caschetta’s supervision. The report confirms that his actions have led to a climate of fear, increased staff turnover, and significant disruption to essential public services.

“The Town of Mendon is committed to a safe and respectful workplace where employees are treated with dignity,” Moffitt continued. “When someone in a leadership role abuses their authority, they threaten not only employees but also the integrity of our local government. We refuse to allow that to continue. To protect our staff, residents, and the standards we uphold, we are calling for Mr. Caschetta’s immediate
resignation.”

Next Steps & Accountability Measures
As an elected official, Mr. Caschetta cannot be directly removed by the Town Board. In response to the findings of the investigative report, the Town sought to negotiate a separation agreement to facilitate his immediate resignation, prioritizing the protection of Town employees and minimizing further risks to taxpayers. However, Mr. Caschetta was less interested in reaching a constructive resolution and more
focused on suppressing the contents of the report and securing his own financial gain.

Should he continue to refuse to resign, Supervisor Moffitt and the Town Board are prepared to take all necessary legal and legislative actions, including:

• Restricting his responsibilities to minimize harm to employees.
• Implementing workplace protections to shield staff from further misconduct.
• Exploring legal avenues to hold him accountable.

Additionally, the Town of Mendon is reinforcing its commitment to a safe and professional workplace by implementing stronger policies and enhanced protections for employees.

Supporting the Hardworking Employees of the Highway Department
Moffitt, Rosiek, Roberts and Merzke emphasized that the misconduct of one individual should not overshadow the dedication of the Highway Department’s hardworking employees.

“Our highway employees work tirelessly to keep our community safe and improve the quality of life for Mendon residents,” they stated. “Without Mr. Caschetta’s resignation, these dedicated employees will remain trapped in a toxic work environment that erodes morale, disrupts operations, and prevents them from serving our town to the best of their ability.”

Timeline of events:
• August 28, 2023 – The Town of Mendon receives its first hostile work environment complaint against   Mr. Caschetta, with an improper     investigation conducted by a former Town Board member.

• March 7, 2024 – A letter was sent to the Town Board citing lack of transparency in the investigation, concerns about impartiality, and aggressive behavior by Superintendent Caschetta at a February 12 Board meeting.

• June 10, 2024 – The Town Board approved an agreement with “Report It” for anonymous employee complaints.

• July 30, 2024 – Superintendent Caschetta filed a complaint via “Report It” against Complainant 1, citing a third-party vendor’s claim of hostility from a Town Hall employee.

• August 6, 2024 – Complainant 1 resigned, citing a hostile work environment and retaliation from Superintendent Caschetta.

• August 8-9, 2024 – Four employees Complainants (2-5) filed internal complaints via “Report It” against Superintendent Caschetta, alleging workplace hostility, retaliation, favoritism, and verbal aggression.

• August 12, 2024 – A second letter is received by the Town Board reiterating concerns and detailing further incidents involving Superintendent Caschetta.

• August 12, 2024 – Complainant 6 also filed a complaint citing a hostile work environment and withheld resources.

• August 30, 2024 – An incident occurred between Complainant 2 and Superintendent Caschetta, leading to conflicting complaints filed via “Report It.”

• September 3, 2024 – Complainant 2 filed another complaint, stating he feared physical harm from Superintendent Caschetta.

• September 9, 2024 – The Town Board referred the complaints to the Town of Mendon Ethics Board.

• September 9, 2024 – The Town Board unanimously approved a resolution limiting the authority of Mr. Cashetta to institute disciplinary actions against employees.

• October 15, 2024 – The Town Board approved a resolution for a formal investigation into the complaints, as recommended by the Town Board of Ethics.

• October 15, 2024 – The Town Board unanimously authorized an agreement with Bolaños Lowe PLLC to investigate the complaints against Mr. Caschetta.

• October 28 – December 3, 2024 – Complainants, Superintendent Caschetta, and witnesses participate in individual interviews totaling 16 investigatory interviews.

• March 10, 2025 – Bolaños Lowe PLLC delivers its findings to the Town Board.

• March 11, 2025 – April 11, 2025 – The Town engaged in negotiations with the Highway Superintendent in an effort to secure his resignation.

NOTE: The full investigative report is being released alongside this announcement in a commitment to public transparency and accountability.

FULL INVESTIGATION REPORT

 

 

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