Fired Seattle police Chief Diaz denies affair allegations, calls investigation flawed

SEATTLE - Former Seattle police Chief Adrian Diaz has been fired, the city confirmed Tuesday morning. This follows an independent investigation which found Diaz had an intimate relationship with a former SPD employee whom he hired for his command staff.

The Seattle Mayor's Office confirmed to FOX 13 Seattle that Diaz's employment with the city was terminated after an investigation by the Office of Inspector General. Diaz was previously on administrative leave. 

Diaz told FOX 13 Seattle he "just found out" about his firing after city employees received an internal email and then called him; he says he was "blindsided."

"Based on the findings from the [OIG's] report, I made the decision to remove Adrian Diaz from the Seattle Police Department. While they take time, this is why we do investigations that are robust and thorough and why we use facts to support decisions that are aligned with the values of our city," wrote Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. "I want to thank the Office of Inspector General for this comprehensive investigation, and I look forward to announcing our next Police Chief in the near future."

Keep reading to learn more about Diaz's termination and how it got to this point. 

The allegations against Diaz

According to a report from the OIG, Diaz is believed to have had "an intimate or romantic relationship with a former SPD employee," who has been identified as Diaz's Chief of Staff, Jamie Tompkins. Tompkins resigned her position at SPD November 6. Before working at SPD, Tompkins was a news anchor at FOX 13 Seattle.

The investigative overview appears to anchor many of these findings on an alleged handwritten note written by Tompkins, which "[indicated] a romantic or intimate relationship took place." The city has not detailed the contents of the handwritten note, which is foundational in Mayor Harrell's decision to terminate Diaz's employment.

The report says Diaz also made "direct statements" and "admissions" to other city employees about his intimate interactions with Tompkins.

A member of Diaz's executive protection unit and one of his lieutenants told OIG investigators that he may have been trying to keep information about the alleged relationship "within a tight circle." Diaz's rare public statements — including an exclusive interview with Jason Rantz on KTTH/MyNorthwest.com, where he publicly came out as gay and denied rumors of an affair with his command staff — were also found to violate policy: "Relying on the factual findings in the report, these statements were false."

SPD policy analysis concluded that Diaz acted inconsistently with policies of:

• Dishonesty
• Professionalism
• Avoiding and disclosing conflicts of interest
• Improper personal relationships

Diaz's response to the allegations

Diaz told FOX 13 Seattle he did not have an affair with Tompkins, and claims he is being let go over false rumors of an affair that never happened.

Diaz said the OIG investigation which insinuates they had an affair is flawed. He claims the investigator refused to question witnesses and other evidence provided, and says there is no direct evidence of a romantic relationship or dishonesty.

Diaz also said investigators requested two handwriting samples from Tompkins and claimed she disguised her handwriting. 

Diaz is criticizing the investigation’s handling of the anonymous card, stating there was no proper chain of custody and evidence was mishandled. He said his request to have the card fingerprinted was denied due to contamination, undermining its credibility. 

Diaz also noted that OIG admitted the first handwriting sample from Tompkins was improperly collected, yet proceeded with a second sample, later claiming it was "disguised." He is arguing that the city is relying on inconclusive handwriting analysis to link him to the card, despite a lack of proof or evidence tying him to it.

Diaz said the "fabrications and lies against him and Tompkins" have ruined his life.

Diaz issued an official full statement late Tuesday afternoon, which reads:

"I proudly dedicated 27 years of service to the City of Seattle, and I was deeply saddened and blindsided by Mayor Harrell’s decision earlier today to terminate my employment. I strongly disagree with both the decision and the purported reasons behind it. From the start of this investigation, I have been truthful and clear: I never engaged in a romantic or inappropriate relationship with Ms. Tompkins. The rushed investigation report, which the Mayor claims to have relied upon, is fundamentally flawed. The investigator chose not to consider crucial evidence, neglected to interview key witnesses, and failed to preserve evidence, all of which would have exonerated me.  This termination lacks legitimate or lawful justification; it is an act of retaliation for my prior disclosure of my sexual orientation and my refusal to comply with what I believed to be an unlawful directive from the Mayor. I look forward to clearing my name and exposing the City’s retaliatory actions."

Tompkins' response to the allegations

FOX 13 Seattle reached out to Jamie Tompkins for comment, and she issued the following statement:

"I support Chief Diaz and his family. The City has lost a fine public servant and a dedicated officer. The allegation that Chief Diaz and I were in a romantic or sexual relationship is completely false and highly damaging to both his and my professional reputations."

Response from Seattle city officials

Seattle District 7 councilmember and Public Safety Committee chair Bob Kettle has since responded to Diaz's firing.

"We need to clear the decks and have that opportunity to move forward," Kettle said. "I believe in the work of the investigation and again, I think it’s time to move forward for the department’s sake."

Kettle says it’s time to make way for new leadership in 2025. He says the mayor looked at everything in totality before making the decision, and he respects the process he went through.

"The charges within the investigation are real, very serious, and they need to be accounted for," he said.  

When FOX 13 asked Kettle about whether he’d like to see the card fingerprinted, he said, "I believe that the investigation was thorough. I believe it was professionally done. I recognize that Chief Diaz has his counterpoints, but again, those points were raised at different points. Or, he had an opportunity to raise points regarding different aspects of the investigation, he may not have chosen to do that at that time."

FOX 13 also asked Kettle if he’d personally reviewed the card. 

"No, I have not. Myself and the council president, in terms of our positions, we are informed about the various pieces of the investigation, the timeline and so forth. But, I have not seen specific pieces, you know, of evidence." 

Kettle's full statement can be found below:

"I support Mayor Bruce Harrell’s decision and appreciate the work of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) in reaching its findings in the investigation. This is a difficult situation in part because of Chief Diaz’s long service to the community, but one where the decision is essential given the seriousness of the findings and for the ability of the Seattle Police Department and its leadership to be able to serve our city. The Seattle Police Department is one of the best in the country, and maintaining the highest level of integrity is essential for our department in carrying out its duties. The highest standards need to be upheld, and this investigation ensures we do so. It is now time to move forward and provide an opportunity for the new department leadership to cement the reform work we have achieved. As Public Safety Committee Chair, I will continue to work with Interim Chief Rahr, and our incoming chief to help achieve the goals of creating a safe base for all communities."

Editor's note: FOX 13 Seattle reached out to OIG for comment, but did not hear back at the time of publication. 

This is a developing story; check back for updates.

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