A Chinchilla Hose Company captain is accused of slapping an emergency medical technician on the buttocks while the two were at the fire company on March 28.
Michael Brust, 57, of Pond Road, Clarks Summit, faces charges of indecent assault, harassment and disorderly conduct at the fire company on Shady Lane Road.
South Abington Twp. officers say Brust was in the “crew room” with several EMTs watching a Phillies game after a cornhole tournament when he sat next to a female EMT.
The EMT told police that after she had eaten and passed gas, Brust leaned over and slapped her on the buttocks, causing that area to sting for about an hour, according to the criminal complaint.
Another EMT interviewed by police said although passing gas wasn’t prohibited by the employee handbook, sexual harassment was.
The alleged victim told officers she became uncomfortable following the incident and avoided Brust. She then reported the incident to Operations Manager John Ford.
Several witnesses told officers they saw Brust move toward the victim and saw her pulling away.
One witness said she heard the victim ask Brust not to touch her.
The victim told officers it wasn’t the first time she was uncomfortable around Brust. She told officers Brust had previously touched her head and feet, even though she asked him not to.
She alleged that at one point Brust lifted his shirt and exposed his stomach during a conversation about food. She said Brust had also contacted her while drinking without a valid reason.
Following the incident, the fire company suspended Brust and removed him from the work schedule pending an investigation. They directed him to refrain from contacting employees.
Brust was arraigned on the charges on June 22 before District Judge Sean McGraw.
During a preliminary hearing on July 22, the charges were transferred to Lackawanna County Court.