SPD leader’s sudden resignation amid fraud allegations fuels speculation

SEATTLE — The Seattle Police Department Chief of Staff abruptly resigned this week amid allegations that he provided false information and a suppressed handwriting sample in an investigation.

Jamie Tompkins quietly resigned without explanation on Wednesday, according to SPD. The news was first reported by Publicola. Tompkins, a former TV Host, was a hand-picked employee of former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz.

Earlier this year, Diaz was demoted by Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell following the allegations. Several female police officers alleged harassment and discrimination. The women later sued the city.

RELATING TO:Adrian Diaz fired as Seattle’s top cop, Sue Rahr named interim chief

Diaz later said in an interview that he was a gay man.. He has since applied $10 million tort claim He claimed that he was discriminated against because of his sexual orientation.

Tompkins’ resignation adds further speculation to what’s going on inside SPD at a time when the department is struggling to find new officers.

RELATING TO: Former SPD Chief Adrian Diaz, communications director, placed on paid administrative leave

The Office of Inspector General wrote on October 24 that it had identified Tompkins’ possible violations of the department, writing:

“It is alleged that you provided false information during the investigation, did not fully participate in the investigation by providing a confidential handwriting sample, and improperly disclosed information related to the investigation after the OIG staff warned “To protect confidentiality” in your interview. “Following this investigation, you are ordered, by the authority of the Chief Constable, not to disclose information relating to this investigation except to your representative or attorney.”

Diaz is also accused of lying during the same investigation.

SEE ALSO:Former Seattle police chief Adrian Diaz files $10 million lawsuit against city

Both he and Tompkins were placed on administrative leave Shortly after the tip from current Seattle Police Chief Sue Rahr. Tompkins had already been demoted by Rahr to the position of communications chief.

It’s unclear why Tompkins chose to leave now. His attorney declined to comment Friday except to say he is not seeking a tort claim. Police department spokesman Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and Guild President Mike Solan declined further comment.

The city is thought to be approaching candidates to replace Rahr and is currently offering $50,000 bonuses to lateral police transfers as it struggles to staff to pre-pandemic levels.