Former St. John, Ind. Police Commander Accused Of Sexual Harassment

(CBS) -- Two women are accusing a now retired police commander of sexual harassment and abuse.

The allegations have rocked the town of St. John, Indiana. CBS 2's Brad Edwards is first to speak with not one but two of the alleged victims.

One of the victims, a long-time civilian employee in the police department, says she was "deathly afraid of him."
"That's why I've gone as long as I have…I need my job," she said.

Commander Michael Fryzel, the second in command, abruptly resigned on Friday.

In one instance - the employees' federal complaint contends the commander, in the office said: "'I just want to do you'" as he ran his hand underneath Plaintiff's dress…"

"Most of the comments to or about me were about my breasts," says one of the alleged victims. "The tipping point came when I actually was sitting in a chair he came up next to me and pressed his groin on me."

Their attorney Christopher Cooper says, "This is not your typical harassment in the working environment. This is a person who is engaging in criminal activity."

Cooper says he knows of three, possible four other victims who have been harassed and says one is "petrified" to come forward.

"He definitely put fear in people around him," the accuser said.

And since the filing, they say, their hours were slashed.

CBS 2 placed calls to the town manager's office Monday and Tuesday. We're told our messages were handed to the town attorney, whom we also called. Our requests for comment were never returned.