Tyreem Fosque, a former Special Police Officer for the D.C. Housing Authority, alleges he was fired after a colleague falsely accused him of sexual assault. Fosque contends the accusation was fabricated and that his termination was motivated by his sexual orientation.
The dispute centers on events in early 2024, when Officer Don Williams reported that Fosque had assaulted him. Fosque categorically denies the allegation, pointing to friendly interactions with Williams after the incident, including holiday texts.
The Metropolitan Police Department investigated but closed its inquiry, determining there was insufficient evidence to meet the elements of a sexual abuse offense. Despite this, the D.C. Housing Authority eventually terminated Fosque.
Fosque’s complaint alleges that the termination was based on statements from another officer, Kenneth Matthew, who claimed Fosque had admitted to the assault. Fosque denies ever making such admissions.
The court found Fosque plausibly alleged disparate treatment, noting he claimed his treatment stood in contrast to heterosexual officers who faced multiple complaints but were not terminated. The judge credited Fosque’s version of events at this early stage.
The court also allowed Fosque’s hostile work environment and retaliation claims to proceed. Fosque argued he was retaliated against for appealing his termination and asserting that the assault allegations were false and discriminatory.
The D.C. Housing Authority Police Department was dismissed from the case as it is not a separate legal entity from the Authority. The remaining claims against the Authority will proceed to discovery.