Cop: Wife’s Playboy photos led to harassment

updated 3:42 p.m. ET Aug. 11, 2009

GAHANNA, Ohio - An Ohio police officer claims he endured "a humiliating and intolerable working environment" after his wife appeared nude for Playboy early last year.

Ron Fithen filed a lawsuit last week in Franklin County court. He is seeking $3.5 million in damages from the Columbus suburb of Gahanna, its police department and two police officials.

His attorney, John Sherrod, says Fithen was harassed on the job and was asked repeatedly for copies of the magazine and for the autograph of his wife, Beth. The lawsuit also claims police began an investigation of the couple that caused emotional distress.

The city's lawyer, Brian Zets, says the city hasn't yet seen the lawsuit. But he said Tuesday the city denies the allegations being reported in the media.

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