Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora joined a chorus of city officials who said a Jewish police officer made claims of antisemitism that were “not substantiated”. The determination set the stage for a unanimous 7-0 vote by members of City Council to tab Arch Liston as permanent director of Housing & Economic Development despite a pending lawsuit initiated by Lt. Alexis Durlacher. The veteran officer alleged Liston made cringe-worthy remarks that connected to her Jewish faith. A tort claim filed on behalf of Durlacher in October alleged Liston made disparaging remarks during a July 2024 incident when he allegedly referenced the police officer and colleagues as “Nazis” and added that Durlacher and other employees at the Trenton Animal Shelter euthanize dogs in a manner similar to the operation of a Nazi concentration camp, according to the complaint. At the time, Durlacher served as chief of operations at Trenton Animal Shelter, On the day of her altercation with Liston, Durlacher crossed paths with city Law Director Wes Bridges who instructed the police officer to document details of the incident. In a letter written by Durlacher and delivered to city officials, she described Liston’s behavior as, “disgusting, bigoted, antisemitic, and should NOT be coming from any employee, let alone someone who is part of the mayor’s cabinet.” The theme for a January 7 city council meeting fostered a belief that Durlacher’s allegations could not produce verification despite evidence that some issue occurred. An email composed by Bridges suggests not only that the Jewish police officer spoke truthfully but that a reprimand had followed. Director Bridges copied Business Administrator Maria Richardson, Chief of Staff Jim Beach, and Gusciora in a September 5 email obtained by The Trentonian. “Please find attached report on the Liston/Durlacher incident,” alerted Bridges. “In anticipation of litigation, we should adopt recommendations to offer a written warning and provide training which we already have in place. “I will have counsel draft a letter to Durlacher, “that the investigation is completed and based on the investigative report…..the city will be issuing certain discipline and other corrective action including, but not limited to, training in response to your complaint. This matter is now closed.” The Bridges email reads like an affirmation of allegations made by Durlacher, and the issuance of “certain discipline and other corrective action” sounds as if city officials executed punishment. Despite this Bridges’ smoking gun correspondence, Mayor Gusciora and others said Durlacher’s claims registered as “not substantiated.” City Council members failed to inquire about the Bridges email. If counsel addressed a letter to Durlacher then the police officer holds that trump card in her possession. South Ward Councilwoman Jenna Figueroa-Kettenburg referenced the Liston/Durlacher incident as the, “elephant in the room.” Gusciora said Durlacher’s allegations, “were investigated, by an independent agency, so to speak, and we had witnesses to the incident. We believe that Arch, at the end of the day is okay, in that those allegations are not substantiated.” In her lawsuit, Durlacher alleged other incidents had occurred opposite Liston. Durlacher said she complained to Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson who addressed it “one on one” with Liston in the past. Former Business Administrator Adam Cruz allegedly confronted Liston regarding his interactions with Durlacher. Just to determine veracity, City Council members could have asked Directorand Wilson, in attendance, if he had intervened as Durlacher claimed. The pre-confirmation vote included a Figueroa-Kettenburg inquiry “if there were any (litigation) “still outstanding or pending?”, involving Liston.  Gusciora replied, “Not that I know of.” City attorney Palmer Richardson responded similarly although Liston connects to a tort claim filed in November 2024  by attorney Patrick Whalen on behalf of Sally Samuel, a former city attorney. She alledges several run-ins with Liston, his predecessor Massiel Ferrara, and wrongful termination in August of last year. Editor’s Note: Full disclosure, Lt. Durlacher and reporter/columnist L.A. Parker are friends and Parker has written about Durlacher and her achievements in the past.  L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at [email protected].