GAHANNA, OH — When Ron Fithen’s wife posed for Playboy magazine’s “Hot Housewife” spread, he probably knew he’d be on the receiving end of some good natured ribbing. What he apparently didn’t realize is just how persistent some of that ribbing could become. Fithen is an Ohio police officer who claims in a recently filed lawsuit that he was subjected to “a humiliating and intolerable working environment” after his wife appeared nude in the magazine last year.

According to Fithen’s complaint, once the magazine hit the racks he was repeatedly asked for copies and for his wife’s autograph by co-workers. The pressure became so intense that Fithen claims the department launched an investigation of the couple, further adding to his distress.

Brian Zets, who represents that Columbus suburb of Gahanna in the case says that the city has not yet been served with the lawsuit, but denies any wrongdoing reported in the media.

Fithen’s case is being handled by attorney John Sherrod and has asked for $3.5 million in damages from Gahanna, its police department and two of its police officials.