Seattle reaches $2.6M settlement with female cops who alleged sexual harassment

SEATTLE - The City of Seattle has reached a $2.6 million settlement with four female police officers who claimed they were sexually harassed, discriminated against and subjected to a hostile work environment.

The city settled a lawsuit filed by current and former Seattle police officers Lauren Truscott, Valerie Carson, Kame Spencer and Judinna Gulpan.

They allege they were "groomed" and harassed by then-Police Chief Adrian Diaz, Lt. John O'Neil and SPD's human resource manager, Rebecca McKechnie, and filed the initial complaint in April 2024. The women originally sought $5 million in recompense.

O'Neil filed a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination and retaliation, and settled that case in August 2025.

City settles sexual harassment lawsuit

"We are happy to see the City of Seattle take accountability for what was a clear lapse in leadership by the previous administration. We hope new leadership will improve working conditions for
everyone within the Seattle Police Department," said Sumeer Singla, one of their attorneys. "Our clients are pleased to put this episode behind them. They are committed to serving the City of Seattle and hope for successful careers within the Seattle Police Department."

Three of the four women continue to serve in the Seattle Police Department, and one has since retired.

Seattle police leadership claim no wrongdoing

Jacob Downs, the attorney representing Diaz and O'Neil, issued the following statement:

"Lt. O’Neil and former Chief Diaz categorically deny the allegations made against them. We find it notable that the City chose to settle these cases for a substantial sum even though neither Lt. O’Neil nor former Chief Diaz was ever deposed during the litigation.

"Plaintiffs’ counsel has characterized the settlement as the City taking accountability. We disagree. The settlement appears to reflect a decision by the City to avoid the cost, burden, and uncertainty of continued litigation rather than any determination that the allegations had merit.

"It is also worth noting that the City previously settled Lt. O’Neil’s claims arising from the unfair treatment he experienced following these baseless allegations.

"While our clients are pleased to put this matter behind them, they continue to maintain that the allegations were false and unsupported, and they remain proud of their service to the Seattle Police Department."

The City Attorney's Office released this statement:

"The City has resolved this case and believes the agreed resolution allows all parties to move forward. As the settlement notes, all parties agree that the settlement does not reflect an admission of wrongdoing or unlawful conduct, nor is it a comment on the character or actions of any of the named individuals in this case."

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