July 25, 2006
Sims announces results of investigation of allegations of misconduct at county juvenile detention facility
King County Executive Ron Sims, joined by King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng and Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske, today announced the conclusion of a months-long investigation of allegations of sexual misconduct on the part of some officers at the county's juvenile detention facility.
The investigation has resulted in felony charges against one female officer for sexual contact with two male youths. In addition, Sims announced that now that the criminal investigation is complete, administrative discipline, up to and including termination, will be brought against several others.
"I was determined that we investigate each and every one of those allegations to their fullest extent. King County has ZERO TOLERANCE for illegal, unethical, offensive or inappropriate conduct on the part of jail employees or juvenile detention workers. I expect our employees to adhere to the strictest professional standards and we actively promote a culture of professionalism in our adult and juvenile facilities," Sims said.
"We take all allegations of misconduct, particularly sexual misconduct with respect to our juvenile detainees, extremely seriously. We fully investigate each allegation as soon as it comes to light, and where appropriate, bring the allegations to the attention of appropriate law enforcement authorities," he added.
After a swirl of rumors and other allegations of misconduct earlier this year, Sims asked for the cooperation of King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng and Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske. The resulting high-level task force spent months investigating every allegation that came to light, resulting in today's charges against one officer.
On a more positive note, Sims said, the investigation did not reveal a widespread culture of misconduct in the department.
"We found that most of our officers and supervisors conducted themselves with distinction, day in and day out completing a difficult and often thankless job with compassion and professional dedication," Sims said.
For details of the charges filed today, contact Dan Donohoe of the King County Prosecutor's Office.