SEATTLE — A lawsuit on behalf of four female Seattle police officers was officially filed after the 60-day period for the city to investigate and respond lapsed, according to the attorney representing the officers.
Kame Spencer, Valerie Carson, Judinna Jean Gulpan, and Lauren Truscott allege they have dealt with bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination at the department. They filed a $5 million tort claim on April 25, singling out allegations against Sgt. John O'Neil, former police Chief Adrian Diaz and Human Resources Manager Rebecca McKechnie.
O’Neil and Diaz are accused of engaging in “grooming” and “predatory behavior.” McKechnie is alleged to have engaged in victim blaming when officers came forward with their complaints.
Before a lawsuit can be filed, a claim for damages must be filed.
In a previous letter to the Seattle City Council, Mayor Bruce Harrell said he would tap an outside investigator to look into the claims of sexual harassment and discrimination at the department after the four officers came forward.
In a statement sent to KING 5 on July 2, Mayor Harrell's office said he commissioned an investigation in April to review previous cases and evaluate systemic issues within the police department. That investigation is ongoing, according to Harrell's office.
Sumeer Singla, the attorney for the four women named in the lawsuit, told KING 5 on July 2 that his clients have not been contacted.
Since the allegations became public, Diaz was reassigned to special projects within the department. He also announced he applied for the police chief position in Austin, Texas.
Diaz has continuously denied the claims brought forward by women in the department, saying the accusations against him are "false."
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