Jamie Tompkins, former Chief of Staff at the Seattle Police Department (SPD) and a former news anchor, has filed a $3 million lawsuit against the City of Seattle. The lawsuit alleges pervasive sexual harassment and a hostile work environment fueled by unfounded rumors of an affair with then-Police Chief Adrian Diaz.
Tompkins transitioned from journalism to SPD in May 2023. According to the lawsuit, she was immediately subjected to a “sexually hostile” environment, with rumors of a relationship with Chief Diaz circulating even before her official start date. These rumors were reportedly propagated by various ranks within the department, including assistant chiefs, one of whom was a former news colleague.
The lawsuit details several disturbing incidents, including a female command team member confronting Tompkins about the alleged affair, an officer stalking her and monitoring her via surveillance, and another officer staking out her residence in an attempt to catch her and Diaz together. Tompkins obtained a restraining order against the latter officer.
The situation escalated when a romantic letter, presumed to be from Tompkins, was found in Diaz’s police vehicle. The letter, described as “Star Wars”-themed, led to Diaz’s termination by Mayor Bruce Harrell. Diaz, who later disclosed he is a gay Latino man, has filed a $10 million lawsuit against the city alleging wrongful termination.
Tompkins’s lawsuit also alleges Mayor Harrell contributed to the toxic work culture by making inappropriate comments. In a July 2023 meeting, Harrell allegedly told Diaz that it would be “alright” if he slept with Tompkins, adding he would “do” her himself.
The City of Seattle has not publicly responded to these allegations. Both lawsuits highlight ongoing concerns about workplace culture within the SPD and the city’s handling of internal misconduct allegations.
