Seattle Police communications director at heart of alleged affair investigation resigns

Jamie Tompkins, Seattle Police Department’s director of communications, resigned on Wednesday. Tompkins was being investigated for lying to a city watchdog agency – about whether she and former Chief Adrian Diaz were in a romantic relationship when he hired her.

Diaz remains employed by Seattle Police as of Friday, according to the department. He and Tompkins were placed on paid administrative leave two weeks ago.

Tompkins did not respond to a request for comment by publication time.

Tompkins is also being investigated for allegedly disguising a handwriting sample. Investigators wrote in a memo that they believe she and Diaz provided “untruthful information” for the investigation into their alleged relationship.

RELATED: 'Untruthful information' cited as reason former Seattle Police Chief Diaz placed on leave, sources say

Tompkins’ resignation means she will no longer have to cooperate or testify for internal investigations.

In July 2023, several anonymous complaints filed with the Office of Police Accountability alleged that Diaz had violated city policy by hiring Tompkins, his alleged romantic partner, without disclosing their relationship.

Diaz denied the rumors of their relationship through his attorney, Ted Buck.

Last May, as a full investigation into the alleged relationship was launched, Diaz stepped down as police chief. He also faced four lawsuits that accused him of discrimination, allegations that he's denied.

Soon after, Diaz said on a conservative talk show that he was gay.

Then, in early October, Diaz filed a tort claim against the city seeking $10 million in damages, alleging discrimination by Mayor Bruce Harrell and Deputy Mayor Tim Burgess.

Diaz claimed Harrell and Burgess “wrongfully discharged and discriminated, harassed, and retaliated” against him when he came out as gay, and when he “refused to commit illegal acts.”

Jacob Downs, Diaz’s attorney, told KUOW in October that Diaz being placed on leave seemed retaliatory.

City spokesperson Jamie Housen replied in an email to KUOW: “The City denies the allegations in the claim for damages. Beyond this, we are unable to comment on the pending claim or any related investigations.”