WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (WENY)-- The Mayor of Watkins Glen is being accused of sexual harassment, according to a legal claim filed by a village police officer and his wife.

Officer Brandon Matthews and his wife Danielle filed a notice of claim against the Mayor and the Village of Watkins Glen for alleged sexual assault, abuse of power, and retaliation against claimants to name a few.

This notice of claim alleges the wife of Watkins Glen Village Police Sergeant Brandon Matthews, Danielle Matthews was an employee of Bleachers Sports Bar.

The document says Watkins Glen Mayor Luke Leszyk sexually harassed her there, before and after he became mayor.

Danielle Matthews says Leszyk was a frequent customer, and allegedly threatened her husband's job with the police department if she didn't perform sexual favors for him - which she refused.

In August of 2020, a search warrant was executed at the Matthews home, where the claim alleges police used excessive force, with more than 20 officers involved in the raid, as well as a K-9 and a police helicopter.

During the search, the claim states Danielle pleaded for privacy to remove the soiled diaper from her 17-year-old son, who has a severe intellectual disability. However, she states she had to undress him in front of the officers.

Mayor Leszyk later issued a public statement saying Officer Matthews was placed on indefinite administrative leave while the state conducted an investigation.

Around September 30th, 2020 a grand jury cleared the Matthews of any wrongdoing and the case was dismissed.

Sgt Matthews was demoted to Patrol Officer in October 2020 and remains on administrative leave.
Why Officer Matthews was investigated and what police were searching for in the home was never disclosed.

The claim filed alleges the couple's children were traumatized by the event, and the Matthews have been defamed by what has happened.

The document also mentions Mayor Leszyk’s statement insinuated that Sgt. Matthews had committed some unspecified crime, which is false. 

The family is seeking legal damages.