Leonia, NJ has been my family’s home since 1968. It was my grandparents who first settled here, and it’s always been a town defined by its kindness and close-knit spirit—a shining example of community spirit in New Jersey.

Yet, we’ve faced trying times before, like when John Anagnosti, a fourth-grade teacher who worked at Anna C. Scott (Leonia's Elementary School) in the 70s and 80s, was revealed to have been molesting his pupils. Although Leonians initially stood by him, the truth emerged, and our sanctity was momentarily tarnished. I say ‘momentarily’ because it’s a mistake we learned from, and one we vowed never to repeat.

Today, a new shadow looms over Leonia. Serious and deeply disturbing accusations have been brought against our Chief of Police, Scott Tamagny, by his three daughters. In a podcast released approximately one month ago, Courtney Tamagny courageously detailed a childhood marred by repeated sexual abuse allegedly perpetrated by her father and people close to him. Her two sisters have echoed these claims, alleging similar experiences. Among the grave accusations, Courtney has described a secretive cult-like network involving ritualistic abuse, implicating Chief Tamagny, as well as other officers and citizens in Bergen County, in astoundingly heinous acts. These allegations, as shocking as they are, have yet to gain traction in mainstream media, leaving our community to grapple with their weight in relative silence.

Rather than stepping aside to allow for an impartial investigation, Chief Tamagny has remained in his role, raising concerns about transparency. Mr. Tamagny has deleted his personal social media profiles, and the Leonia Police Department’s Facebook page has also been removed, actions that many perceive as attempts to obscure scrutiny. Such responses only deepen the community’s unease and underscore the need for accountability.

The trust and safety of our community depend on transparency and accountability. The integrity of Leonia demands that these allegations be met not with skepticism, but with due diligence and caution. In light of the severity of these claims, it is only prudent that Chief Tamagny take a paid leave of absence, allowing these matters to be thoroughly investigated without bias or hindrance. Protecting Leonia means ensuring that those in positions of power are held to the highest standard, especially when questions arise about their conduct. It’s not about presumption of guilt; it’s about safeguarding the town’s integrity and letting the investigative process unfold unimpeded.

We owe it to ourselves—to our children and the fabric of our community—not to let past sins recast their shadows on our future. We have a responsibility, as a community, to demand the highest ethical standards and to ensure that allegations of this magnitude are addressed with the seriousness they deserve.

Join me in urging the appropriate authorities to require Chief Scott Tamagny to step aside temporarily as these accusations are examined. Let us act now, with conviction and clarity. Sign this petition to protect the sanctity and trust of Leonia once again.