Police Chief to Dispatcher: I Want to Make Love to You!

Posted by Jose Lambiet , October 26, 2012 Print

Sex harassment accuser Tara Luscavich with rocker Brett Michaels earlier this year (via Facebook)

A dispatcher is accusing her boss, Tequesta Police Chief Pete Pitocchelli, of sticking his hand into her blouse during a boozy party, then following her into a bedroom and telling her: “I’ve want to make love to you.”

Tequesta Police Chief Pete Pitocchelli (via Facebook)

That’s after Pitocchelli allegedly put the married dispatcher’s hand on his hot-and-bothered manhood to show her the effect she had on him, according to Tequesta administrative files obtained by Gossip Extra.

The woman, identified as Tara Luscavich, filed a federal sexual harassment complaint last month because she claims she was retaliated against for not yielding to the chief’s desires at the March 2011 party.

– Click here to read the complaint

Pitocchelli, meanwhile, tendered his resignation to the village manager, who has not decided whether to accept it. Pitocchelli was separated from his wife at the time of the alleged groping.

Village officials already replied to the federal employment watchdog EEOC that Luscavich’s recollection of the incident is inaccurate, and denied she’s been the victim of retaliation.

– Click here to read the village’s official response

Besides, according to the village’s response, Luscavich filed her complaint more than a year after the incident and it should be dismissed.

According to Luscavich, she and others had been drinking at the party. Guest Pitocchelli was a lieutenant at the time but was about to take over the department.

At one point, Luscavich said she put jokingly a dollar bill into her cleavage saying: “It’ll be safe there.”

“No it won’t,” the chief allegedly replied, according to Luscavich’s filing.

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He then reached into her shirt and allegedly grabbed one of her breasts.

Later at the party, Luscavich said she didn’t feel well and was ushered into a bedroom by the host. She laid out on a bed but within minutes noticed Pitocchelli was near her, rubbing her back underneath her blouse.

The chief supposedly commented on how smooth her skin was.

In time, he allegedly placed Luscavich’s hand on his groin, telling her how much he wanted to have sex with her.

“I understood at the time his rank and soon to be promotion to chief of police, and I knew that I could not offend him,” Luscavich wrote in her complaint, “despite being appalled.”

In time, Luscavich told she is happily married and left the room to ask someone for a ride.

Since then, she claims, Pitocchelli has been ignoring and avoiding her at work, at one point denying her a training opportunity and temporary promotion to supervisor.

“I have been treated differently since this event,” she wrote, adding that she wants money from the village for mental anguish and humiliation.

Pitocchelli isn’t returning calls for comment.

Featured In Depth Palm Beach Delray Beach Police, EEOC, Florida, Gossip Extra, Jose Lambiet, law enforcement, Pete Pitocchelli, policing, sexual harassment, Village of Tequesta

« Previous

Toni, 7 months ago Reply

Sorry, but the whole thing sounds like a cheap soap opera, and hard to believe.
- CHIEF SUPPORTER, 7 months ago Reply
  
  AGREED
A 1911 SHOOTER, 7 months ago Reply

Tequesta resident here, the whole PD blows, well except this chick apparently. Other than handing out speeding tix and monitoring those $35K digital cameras down the street from my house, or hanging out at the 7-11, they have nothing to do. God knows what they do to them selves while watching the cameras late at night.
I've heard it all, 7 months ago Reply

First of all, in order to claim sexual harrassment, one must say NO and if it continues it can be considered sexual harrassment. By this women own admission she sat on the bed for a few minutes and talked to the Lt. (he was not the Chief yet as I understand in this article). She only decided to cry sexual harrassment when she didn’t get her own way. Its obvious that the position was given to the most qualified individual. If she is so uncomfortable in the workplace, then LEAVE. Why embarrasses and expose yourself in this way. If this indeed happened, why not take the steps needed without posting your photo’s of yourself. This seems to be motivated by a hostile employee then a true victim. I noted at the end of the article, the “victim” is requesting money from her employer for mental anguish. I believe she may have a point being ” mental”, just not sure it is from the work place. From the article I say the only victim in this case is the Police Chief.
cathy, 7 months ago Reply

oh please! doesn’t sound as if you have been discriminated against but it does sound as if you’re looking for the village of tequesta to supply you with money. if this supposed act against you was so bad why take over a year to complain? how much alcohol did you consume at this party? appears that you didn’t get your way on some things and this is your way of retaliating
- CHIEF SUPPORTER, 7 months ago Reply
  
  AMEN SISTER
Derick Velez, 7 months ago Reply

I have personally witness this dispatcher crying in silence as she worked the dispatch console. I would see this on many occasions before starting my shift tour. Not knowing what was wrong in her life. Thinking maybe there was something bad going on at home but to have her tell me about this incident not only was I upset but I was mortified that a supervisor could have done this to her. She is my personnel friend and to see a friend suffer this emotional stress is uncalled for. I recently retired early from this department due to other issues within this agency. I have worked in Law Enforcement for over 26 years and I have always strived to make a positive impression of law enforcement personnal to the children and people of the community in which I serve. My heart goes out to her and her family for the embrarasment that this has caused in her life. But I applaud her for having the courage to come forward with this issue. I pray that she will find closure and that the embrassment of this ordeal comes to an end. Being a police officer and investigating sexual misconduct is very difficult for a women to come forward and report this wrong doing and for this I commend her for doing the right thing not only for herself but for setting an example for other women who may be suffering this silent pain inside.
- CHIEF SUPPORTER, 7 months ago Reply
  
  you are an ass !!!!!
Derick Velez, 7 months ago Reply

Please dont use my name in the post that I have just submitted. I’m currenly seeking employment with another agency and I dont want the aggravation of having to explain myself regarding my comment. I have worked really hard in being the best Cop a person could be. I’m the Stuart/Jensen Beach Elks Lodge Officer of the year for 2012 and the Palm Beach
CountyTraffic Safety Committee officer of the year for 2012.
Tequesta res, 7 months ago Reply

@ 1911 shooter… You are an idiot. TPD has closed numerous residential burglary cases all because of those cameras. So if some thug from broward county breaks into your home in the middle of the night and attempts to a$$ rape you, chances of them being seen on the camera is 100%. Make sure you don’t call the police tho, since after all you are seem to be able to handle yourself.

Do your research before you attempt to blast the PD, all the problems stem from that shady city manager and mayor, both of those wannabe cops cause all the problems within the city
- A 1911 SHOOTER, 7 months ago Reply
  
  If said thug breaks into my house ( I am in the Country Club) btw, I would gladly offer him some quiet time in front of my fireplace then share some of my EBT sourced food with them from Publix. I would tell them I understand their need to get back at the white man and that it is really my fault they resorted to a life of crime. I would tell them it is not their doing that they are in the 47% and they can help themselves to some of my 1% assets if it will help heal their hearts. After offering up my wife to them , she loves to flash those camera’s on Tequesta Drive, we can walk down to my dock and plant some trees and sing religious hymns. They can then take my 32 ft Grady White back to Broward w/love in their hearts and a tummy full of nourishment.
  
  I will not call TPD, but I can call Jose’ perhaps to come offer up some defense of my homestead, apparently most of Tequesta reads GE surprisingly.
I've heard it all, 7 months ago Reply

I must agree with Tequesta Res. The Mayor and the Manager need to do their jobs and let the Department heads run their departments without interferance. I do not know the Mayor however I have heard him “attempt” to speak at Village functions. Not saying anything bad about the man, and alot of people cannot do public speaking, but anyone can appear intellignet until they open their mouth and speak. The Manager has tunnel vision and his only concern is keeping the Mayor happy.
As far as the comments from Derick, I find it utterly rediculous that you would allow your friend to “suffer in silence”. As a friend and Police Officer, once she confided in you, I believe you had a civic duty to bring this information forward,what she is claiming is an assult, however you did nothing,? Personally I think she is out to burn the Chief for some other reason. I do not know any of the people personally involved in this case, however I do know from my own personal experiances, the last thing you want is for your face and name to be made public. The only reason a person would “leak” this information to the press is to cause humilation and embarrasement to the accused as well as his family. In my opinion, Ms.Luscavish agenda is either to recieve a large payout from the Village, OR she was interested in Chief and he was not interested in her advances. By Ms. Luscavish own admission she placed the money in her bar she was asking for attention. The old saying “Hell have no fury like a women scorn” maybe exactly what is going on here. I do not know either person, I do however feel sorry for the Police Chief”s family.
Sad, 7 months ago Reply

The real victims here are the people that were labeled as witnesses and the chief. So sad.
CHIEF SUPPORTER, 7 months ago Reply

This is a TRAVESTY. The Chief is a wonderful man with 35 years in Law Enforcement (exemplory record I checked). The Village needs to stand behind him and fight Luscivich tooth and nail. She is looking for a huge payout (sounds like with Velez). Isn’t he the deranged clown who has been terrorizing the kids the last few years? Happy to see he is gone..Luscivich needs to go too. How can she hold her head up knowing she is destroying a man for money. TSK TSK!!! I agree with I have heard it all she was asking for the chief and when he didn’t fall she felt rejected. I for one is happy to have a chief who was able to stand up and say NO.We have become a sue happy county come on TEQUESTA set an example and JUST SAY NO DICE!!!!!! If she was VIOLATED how could she go into work day after day for well over a year..Sounds Like when Velez left this all started HMMMM anyone else see a connection.????Let the Chief alone he needs to keep the department together and from what I hear they are BACKING HIM. Way to go Tequesta you have my vote get rid of Luscivich. as forn the manager and mayor they can go too…..
- Blake, 7 months ago Reply
  
  Wow, You must be talking about someone else. As for the Deranged Clown that u speak off. You really don’t know what him at all. Ask the children and families in Tequesta about Velez so you can learn about what he has done for the community. I know him personally and can tell you not only did he volunteer countless hours and creat a childrens safe place in Tequesta but he has organized several fundraisers for children and families in need of assistance or fanancial assistance. He has received several letters from Washinton DC. Letters commending his cause and community service. Try Googling his name and see for yourself what his charator is all about. As far as all this starting when he left. Well I know he wasn’t there when the incident happened. He wasn’t the one disrespecting someone else. So I suggust that you take the time and do some research before you cast any stones toward anyone you know nothing about.. Let the chips fall where they may if the Chief didn’t do anything wrong then he has no worries and he will keep his position.
  - Clueless, 7 months ago Reply
    
    Blake, I’m sorry for your complete clueless. Any parent that would drop their child off in that cave named clown town needs to to have their head examined. The guy needs to go, along with his fake persona. He can take the useless city manager and Mayer also. The mayor is completely clueless as well. Driving around in his personal vehicle micro managing the cops on the road. Wishing he was a cop but doesn’t have the balls to do it. i have heard him speak at meetings ect, he is an embarrassment to the village.
    - Jacqueline, 7 months ago Reply
      
      Clueless, obviously 50-60 parents in the Village of Tequesta need their head re-examined as Clown Town was a huge success from what I saw… Myself included, my children absolutely loved Clown Town, as did we. They brought home many life lessons that they still practice in their everyday life. Clown Town was a godsend for me and my family. Poe Poe the Clown is one in a million!!!! Ask any parent in the Village, I doubt they’d disagree.
Corruption fighter, 7 months ago Reply

Oh please get your nose out of there!! If he is soooo not guilty why is he resigning??? Just like he did in Delray…”family and health reasons”, PLEASE!!! clearly there is much more to this story! Corruption and cover ups!!!!
Corruption fighter, 7 months ago Reply

Chief Supporter??? It should be Supporter of Corruption, no morals and unethical behavior! I don’t you but YOU truly are the ASS!!! TSK TSK!! You should leave with him! You corrupt people make me sick!!! Residents of Tequesta should be at every council meeting expressing their disgust with the Village over the mis-management! The Village needs an administrative enema to get rid of these people!!
- CHIEF SUPPORTER, 7 months ago Reply
  
  I for one being a resident in Tequesta believes the counsil will do the right thing. Leave the Chief alone and get rid of the riff-raff!!!!I have spoken to alot of the villagers and we stand behind the Chief. They have always been there when my family has needed them. I however do not like the Green on the new cars. Chief can you help us out on that one? I do believe you care about all of us. Living in the country club i for one love the camera’s way to go TequestA Police Department keep up the good work. Also a shut out for the officers who go by the bus stops and talk to our kids..MUCH APPRICIATED!!!!
Corruption fighter, 7 months ago Reply

The travesty is that you support a leader like this! Apparently you did’nt check his record to close. How can he hold his head up knowing he was unfaithful to his wife and family forcing himself on a married woman?, AGAIN!!! This guy has made a career out of this unethical behavior. I have seen this corruption time and time again and people like you support a so called leader like this because he takes care of you! You need him to survive in your job!! This guy clearly can’t think as a leader with ” the right head” !
- CHIEF SUPPORTER, 7 months ago Reply
  
  I do not need this Chief to survive my job. My wife and I have been in business for 22 years, but thank you for your concern. I have been a Tequesta resident for 18 years. Got to know alot of the patrol quite well. I am just saying it is a shame to try to tarnish a man for money. I do have my facts straight the Chief retired from Delray Beach I called so you need to check your source. I respect the Tequesta Police Department. They have been there when my wife needed them. i am grateful. I think they need to be left alone. Reading the complaint and the response from the village makes me feel I was right. Shame on anyone who tries to hurt this department.
  - Corruption fighter, 7 months ago Reply
    
    Uhhh “Chief Supporter”. He retired from Delray the same way he is here in Tequesta! “Family and health reasons”, my source are documents obtained from his file in Delray, so I don’t know who you called but obviously they are as clueless as you! “Tarnish a man for money”, what a joke! I only wish this victim would have filed criminal battery charges that were warranted against this loser! I hope she stays strong to see this to the end! Based on my investigation thus far with this government corruption she has a case if the.cover ups and corruption do not engulf her. Just because they were there for wife when you needed them does mean you should support their corruption. So you read the complaint and the response from the Village? Big deal! Is that all you did before you came to your conclusion? If so I can tell you that you did not look far enough and I have investigated much further. Shame on you for not getting all the facts! Stay tuned!!
Jacqueline, 7 months ago Reply

Tequesta Police Department is an absolute joke, at least from what I’ve seen, heard and witnesses these last couple years. From the time Chief William McCollom left the whole department has gone to shame. The department is so corrupted with scandal and lies it’s amazing something like this didn’t happen sooner. The department itself is a hostel work environment for any officer. I know personally how corrupt and hostile the department actually is being close now and in the past with with many of its employees. As for the chief, his position as chief has always been a joke to many residents in the Village of Tequesta including the personnel in his own office. I’ve witnessed first hand his unprofessional manner while on and off duty. He is a disgrace to the Village and I fully support his resignation. The man is ashamed and humiliated at his actions, therefore, he has no other choice but to resign. Who wouldn’t after what he did to his victim? It’s not the first time he has been accused of such sexual harassment. I applaud his victim, Tara for stepping up and breaking her silence. It shouldn’t matter how long it might take for someone to open up about something awful that happened to them. This wasn’t just some guy at a party. It was her lieutenant (now chief). Can you imagine how unfortable it must have been to face that man every day. Being a victim of sexual harassment myself, it is very hard to speak up when its happening in your place of employment or with someone from your place of employment. To make it worse, this was her boss people…The cover-ups in Tequesta have gone on for years. The only reason so much has stayed under lock and key thus far is because the current lieutenant is just as bad as he, in my opinion worse!!! Everyone in that department walks on eggshells, trust me they have told me. I, personally being approached by the lieutenant to engage in sexual relations with he and his wife is disgusting. When I said no, his response “then what about just me?”. He isn’t the only other lowlife in the bunch. A current sergeant, also married made many sexual remarks and approaches at me and other females in the Village of Tequesta. Currently, he is separated from his wife after cheating on her for months with a Village residents. How is that for dirty laundry? As I said, the men especially in this department are a disgrace. The only people supporting him on this blog are the people who’s jobs are in danger when he resigns… Now the lieutenant wants to side with the victim? Can we say coincidence? It’s amazing that this snake plays the chief side until he announces his resignation. Any thoughts on that? Unless hiring outside of the department, Chief’s position would be presented to the lieutenant by the manager, correct? Weird coincidence, don’t you think? Oh, and have you heard he preys on young girl scouts, watching them on binoculars while standing on the hood of his car? DISGUSTING! I feel so sorry for all the wonderful people that do work for the Village. They deserve better, they deserve a team they can count on, heads they can reply on to make the right decisions. The brotherhood, integrity, morals and ethics of this department is gone but in time I have confidence that once everyone deserving of termination is finally put into play, the team players will flourish and the Tequesta Police Department will once again succeed in its mission.
- Disgusted, 7 months ago Reply
  
  Yes, and how about that Lt, trying to “recruit” women throughout the village to join him and his wife. Completely disgusting and unprofessional. I smile and nod as I am worried of the reprocussions of telling him to f*ck off!! Didn’t know this til recently , but he is well known throughout the north end of the county by other officers and departments for having a bad rep for this kind of stuff. Horrible. Don’t even get my started on the cheating sergeant, he is just as bad…disgusting also.
Last laugh, 7 months ago Reply

It is funny how Derick Velez finally found out to hide his name and take on other disguises when posting such lies. He was never a real cop and more than likely he will never be again. His wife (being nice) is weird and such a cling-on. She married the first cop (Tequesta) that she could after being with several others first. The clown has been married three times prior and married this one who is 20 years younger than he. It comes to a point when you have too look at yourself and ask, “Is it me or can it be true I am a total loser. Talk about cheaters, there is another Ashley in his life and she is only 19.

Btw who goes around in costumes (pirate, sponge Bob, a clown etc) pretending that they are really these characters. Now on Tara. She has come on to several officers in the department and they all turned her down. He husband who is a Juno sergeant has no idea what his wife does while at work and outside occasions when she is without him (Holloween parties, department events, etc.) if he only knew and I am sure he will. If you do not believe these truths, there are pictures to prove it.

I hope that the people who are being slandered by Derick Velez and/or his wife get an attorney and subpoena the IP addresses on this website and sue. Word to the wise, many can play the game but few can play it good.
- Derick, 7 months ago Reply
  
  Mr. Last Laugh,
  
  You must be on drugs or something.
  
  As far as taking Disguises when posting lies. For one, I don’t have to disguise anything in my life from the past or future. You obviously have jumped to the wrong conclusion as you have in the past without getting the full details.
  
  As for me slandering anyone. You must be reading something else somewhere in outer space. I have reread my post and no where do I even come close to slandering anyone.
  
  As for another Ashley in my life. I’m friends with several Ashley’s. I think you speak of a child that I have known as a Tequesta resident named Ashley whom I met six years ago when she was only thirteen Years old during an investigation of an adult male age 49, who was offering her drugs and trying to have sex with her. After my investigation, felony charges were filed against him after he tried to run her over with his vehicle. During my investigations, I became very close to her and her family and we are now very good friends.
  
  As far as my wife, she has not been with any other Tequesta Police Officer and we were introduced during my Officer of the Year banquet in the year of 2008.
  
  So I would strongly suggest you take a moment and come down from your drugs. Research your accusations fully and then speak in public form because you sound really ignorant. I’m done speaking to some of you Tequesta idiots anymore.
Corruption fighter, 7 months ago Reply

What about the victims reputation??? This womanizer has ruined her career! She should be entitled to lost wages from future opportunities lost. She will be out of a job with no income because of This unethical idiot!! Are you kidding me?? Have you looked at her history? I have! Shes has been an outstanding employee! What you don’t understand is that this is a pattern and they let him resign to avoid saying he was wrong (uhhh like Delray??) the Village is protecting thier own pocket and bottom line. They dont care about the victim only themselves! This was the worst one sided investigation I have ever seen!!
- Dirty Laundry exposed at its best!, 7 months ago Reply
  
  Alright luscavich. Calm down we call know its you writing this..
Corruption fighter, 7 months ago Reply

Sorry all your guesses are not correct!!
Bobby Willis, 7 months ago Reply

I do not have any comment to make on the chief.. I only want to respond to the hate spilled about Mr. Velez. It is such a shame that people that are supposed to be professional find it so hard. When a person wears a uniform-especially a police officer-there should be some level of respect. With it beng one of the most dangerous jobs..you need to have each others back.I have been a witness to the sacrifice and love that Mr. Velez has poured out over his community. From the moment he got his job he displayed nothing but joy and love for the children in the community. There are some who would put a sick spin on that…but they are only jealous, arrogant people. His dedication to building a relationship between PD and the children is forever lost in the ugliness and self serving character’s of the people that he worked with. Shame on all of you! As for why he left…I am only guessing it is because he did not feel confidant in working beside someone he did not trust to keep him safe.