Latest news with #SnoqualmiePolice
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
'Shut your legs' comment, rating female staff: Snoqualmie Police Chief fired after probe
The Brief Former Snoqualmie Police Chief Brian Lynch is accused of sexual harassment and creating a toxic work environment. Lynch denied the allegations, claiming they are exaggerated, but was terminated in April following an investigation. The city plans to implement training to prevent misconduct but has not yet started searching for a new police chief. SNOQUALMIE, Wash. - Newly released documents obtained through a public records request detail alarming allegations of sexual harassment, favoritism, and misconduct within the Snoqualmie Police Department — all reportedly involving former Chief Brian Lynch. The backstory The internal investigation, first prompted by a whistleblower complaint in early February, uncovered what city officials now call a "toxic work environment" during Lynch's tenure as chief, a role in which he oversaw law enforcement operations in both Snoqualmie and North Bend. An executive summary of the findings cites multiple allegations of gender bias, favoritism, leadership failures, and inappropriate behavior. Among the most disturbing claims are reports that Lynch made graphic and degrading remarks towards women, both officers and civilian employees. According to the documents, Lynch is accused of making several inappropriate sexual comments, including: Numerically rating female officers' bodies. Suggesting a school resource officer perform oral sex on a recruit. Asking a civilian employee in a lunchroom if she was tired from performing a sexual act on her husband. Commenting that a female applicant "had a big vagina and needed to keep her legs shut." "This kind of behavior is not acceptable," said Dana McCall, a spokesperson for the City of Snoqualmie. Lynch was terminated in April. In a letter to Mayor Katherine Ross, he pushed back on the findings, calling several of them inaccurate or exaggerated and claiming he was unfairly portrayed. But an anonymous whistleblower email, sent to the mayor and city leadership on February 3, paints a starkly different picture. With the subject line "Problems in the Police Department," the sender detailed concerns over favoritism, alleging Lynch prioritized promotions and assignments for members of his church and men's group. The email also accused Lynch of attending Bible study while on duty and hosting a fantasy football party at his home for on-duty officers — outside city limits. The whistleblower wrote: "It is also clear that if you are not part of Chief Lynch's inner social circle you are at a distinct disadvantage to promotions, career opportunities and specialties." "When we got the complaint, we took it very seriously and immediately launched the investigation," said McCall. The controversy has extended beyond Lynch. Interim Chief Gary Horejsi, who took over following Lynch's departure, was also separately investigated for allegations of inappropriate jokes and sexual harassment. That investigation was later closed and labeled "unfounded." City officials say they are taking steps to move forward. In emails reviewed by FOX 13, the City of Snoqualmie stated it plans to implement additional trainings aimed at preventing workplace misconduct. However, officials are not yet ready to discuss their search for a permanent police chief. The Source Information in this story came from a whistleblower complaint made against former Snoqualmie Police Chief Brian Lynch, the City of Snoqualmie and FOX 13 Seattle reporting. Homicide investigation underway after 5-year-old dies in Federal Way, WA Major 5-day SR 18 closure at I-90 in Snoqualmie, WA Alaska man pinned by 700-pound boulder for 3 hours walks away unharmed Why hasn't anyone been charged in Seattle clash arrests? What we know Mandatory driver's education to expand under new Washington law To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Investigation: Snoqualmie police chief rated women's bodies, mocked disabled staffer
Snoqualmie Police Chief Brian Lynch was fired April 10 following an independent investigation that found he repeatedly violated the city's policies on harassment, ethics, and professional conduct, according to city records obtained by KIRO 7. Mayor Katherine Ross announced Lynch's termination in an all-staff email, citing 'sustained conduct that violated our City's personnel policies.' The investigation, conducted by an outside attorney, documented more than a dozen instances of misconduct, including repeated inappropriate sexual remarks, unprofessional behavior toward subordinates, and a failure to maintain workplace boundaries. Lynch had been on paid administrative leave since early February, shortly after the city received an anonymous whistleblower complaint alleging favoritism, retaliation, and inappropriate behavior by the chief. The city then launched a formal investigation, which included interviews with multiple current and former employees of the Snoqualmie Police Department. According to the 10-page executive summary of the investigation, Lynch's behavior included: Referring to female members of the public as 'bitches.' Asking a female subordinate if she hurt her hand 'jerking off her husband' while making a crude gesture. Commenting on female employees' and visitors' physical appearance, including rating them on a numerical scale and making sexualized remarks about their bodies. Repeating the phrase 'Run Forest Run' to a mobility-impaired employee in the workplace. Making a sexual joke in front of a teenage intern during her farewell lunch, then dismissing concerns by saying she had 'heard worse.' Hosting a fantasy football draft party at his home where at least one officer attended while on-duty and in uniform, and naming his team with a sexually suggestive pun. Showing coworkers bikini-clad women on his phone during work hours and referring to them as 'hot babes' or 'chicks.' Allegedly stating a female police recruit 'couldn't keep her legs together' due to having several children, a comment Lynch later denied, though it was corroborated by multiple witnesses. Investigators also found that Lynch routinely blurred the lines between his role as department head and his personal relationships with subordinates, fostering a workplace culture where inappropriate joking and social favoritism were common. Witnesses told investigators they felt uncomfortable speaking up due to Lynch's authority. Some said they avoided the lunchroom entirely to steer clear of his behavior. In addition to the harassment findings, the investigation raised concerns about Lynch's job performance. According to the city, Lynch delegated most administrative responsibilities after hiring a police captain in 2024 and spent significant time on social media and personal interests while on duty. Staff reported becoming 'substantially more efficient' during his absence. Lynch was notified of the proposed termination in an April 8 pre-disciplinary letter and offered the chance to respond. Two days later, his termination became official. He had served as Chief of Police since December 2023, after previously holding the rank of captain and serving as a sergeant in Black Diamond. Captain Gary Horejsi is now serving as interim chief. The city plans to begin a formal hiring process soon. City officials say additional workplace conduct trainings will be scheduled in the months ahead. In May, the North Bend City Council voted unanimously to end its working relationship with the Snoqualmie Police Department and to begin negotiations with the King County Sheriff's Office. KIRO 7 has reached out to the city of North Bend to ask if the Lynch investigation was considered during their decision.
