It's scathing allegations against Howell Township officials where a whistleblower lawsuit claims elected leaders there pushed illegal and discriminatory housing policies.

Former Township Manager Joseph Clark alleges the mayor, John Leggio, and council members tried to require renters to prove US citizenship or face eviction.

Now, according to court documents, the officials proposed revoking certificates of occupancy for undocumented immigrants and even suggested racial profiling tactics like checking renters' recycling bins for Modelo beer bottles.

The lawsuit also claims the mayor trying to pull housing approvals based on arrests, sending text messages about cross-referencing names of locals arrested with rental records.

Joe Clark and others who objected allege they were retaliated against and their work environment became, quote, "Unbearably hostile."

Clark says he was forced to resign in July.

The lawsuit accuses the town of discrimination, retaliation, and violating whistleblower protections.

And Howell Township officials didn't return our request for a comment.

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