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October 5, 2011 in City
Spokane police detective alleges witness tampering
A Spokane police detective has filed a formal complaint asking the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office to investigate allegations that Chief Anne Kirkpatrick and city attorneys have engaged in felony witness tampering.
Detective Jay Mehring filed the complaint with the sheriff’s office Sunday, alleging that the city refused to renew a contract with the department’s longtime psychologist after she gave an opinion favorable to Mehring as part of his $3.5 million civil suit against the city. That suit alleges he was wrongfully terminated in 2007 amid reports that he threatened to harm his wife.
City spokeswoman Marlene Feist said Tuesday the city denies any allegation of witness tampering.
“These allegations are serious, and the court will make the final ruling about their inclusion in the case,” Feist said. “In the meantime, we are very concerned that our employees are being defamed and depicted in a false light.”
Mehring, 43, has been on paid leave since Sept. 9, 2010. In his complaint, Mehring said police psychologist Dr. Deanette Palmer’s contract wasn’t renewed after she ruled that he was fit to return to duty.
“Dr. Palmer has been intimidated and punished for voicing her professional opinion of Detective Mehring which happened to be in contradiction to the agenda of the Chief and the City Attorney’s Office,” Mehring said in the complaint.
Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich said via email that he is reviewing the matter.
Palmer told attorneys in a sworn deposition that she had been the department’s psychologist for the past 22 years. Her full-time employment status changed to contract status six years ago, and she helped counsel officers after high-stress situations such as police shootings.
According to the complaint, she had been talking with Assistant City Attorney Rocky Treppiedi about a new contract when those conversations halted without explanation last April.
“All that I’m aware of is that, because of my involvement in Mr. Mehring’s case, there is question about whether or not it will be renewed as per the City Attorney’s office,” Palmer was quoted as saying during an Aug. 29 deposition.
Asked by attorney Susan Nelson whether Palmer believed her involvement in the lawsuit has “adversely affected” her contract with the city, Palmer said, “Definitely.”
Attorney Bob Dunn, who is representing Mehring, said the city’s handling of Palmer “adds to the notion that we have believed all along, that Detective Mehring has been subjected to a campaign of retaliatory misconduct.”
The legal posturing is the latest twist in a case that began in early 2007 when two police sergeants said Mehring had threatened to burn down his estranged wife’s home with her in it.
The department charged Mehring with a felony and placed him on unpaid leave for 569 days.
His now ex-wife, Lisa Mehring, said in court documents that the case was blown out of proportion and that she and Jay Mehring were “victims of overzealous law enforcement, domestic violence laws and the legal system.”
The case went to trial and a jury in October 2008 acquitted Mehring of all charges. Kirkpatrick reinstated him with $134,000 in back pay, but demoted him.
Mehring, who earned $80,639 last year, filed a $3.5 million claim against the city last year for its handling of the case.
In court filings, Kirkpatrick defended her personnel decisions.
The case was further complicated on Sept. 9, 2010, when Mehring – who was on duty at the time – attended a deposition with Kirkpatrick wearing his service pistol. Kirkpatrick inquired about the gun, asked for a recess and immediately suspended Mehring under allegations that he was not fit for duty based on files in the lawsuit indicating that he had been treated for stress.
Later, Palmer examined Mehring as part of her city contract and deemed him fit for duty, which is what caused the city to end her contract, Dunn and Mehring allege.
“It hasn’t let up from the day the investigation started,” Dunn said. “It’s another step in the retaliatory process … based on some agenda the police chief has.”
Feist, the city spokeswoman, noted that Mehring’s complaint “comes two weeks before trial in Mr. Mehring’s civil lawsuit against the city and the police chief.”
1992 murder trial begins against sex offender 
Ron_the_Cop on October 05 at 12:09 a.m.
There is an earlier version of this story with 23 comments:
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/oct/04/detective-alleges-witness-tampering-civil-suit-aga/
DickAdams on October 05 at 7:06 a.m.
As usual, Roco Treppiedi`s name is used in many of the stories lately. Obviously, Verner and Kirkpatrick find him useful regarding the SPD personnel, including today`s story which talks about his conversation with Palmer in April. How much longer is Mayor Verner going to put up with Treppiedi before he is fired?
I think the last 3 paragraphs sums it up and reads;
“Later, Palmer examined Mehring as part of her city contract and deemed him fit for duty, which is what caused the city to end her contract, Dunn and Mehring allege.
“It hasn’t let up from the day the investigation started,” Dunn said. “It’s another step in the retaliatory process … based on some agenda the police chief has.”
Feist, the city spokeswoman, noted that Mehring’s complaint “comes two weeks before trial in Mr. Mehring’s civil lawsuit against the city and the police chief.”
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My final comment. Once again something as serious as this story indicates, someone other than Ms. Feist should be doing the talking instead of putting her on the spot.
GaryP on October 05 at 7:26 a.m.
Kirkpatrick thinks Carl Thompson is great but fires/has criminally charged Det Mehring and Harvey for arguing off duty over divorce matters and arguing over a duck hunting spot. Jurors in both cases said it was a “complete waste of time” and “why are we here”. As a tax payer, how much money am I going to have to pay to the city for Kirkpatrick’s incompetence? Millions I’m afraid…
soccermomsusie on October 05 at 8:07 a.m.
A little confused. Weren’t we supposed to despise Mehring and think that the judge and jury were crazy for letting him off the hook after all the great, in-depth, unbiased reporting the S-R did to prove him guilty? Yet, the jury did not convict him. Guess they don’t read the paper.
But now you seem to like him now that he is… oh I get it now! His recent statements could be used against QUEEN BEE MARY VERNER KLEMPERER to prop up my man David Condon!!! EXCELLENT!!!
FULL SPEED AHEAD, MR. CLOUSE!
I heard that when asked about this case, a city attorney laughed, winked and his head spun completely around as he got into the elevator. Sulfurous smoke puffed out of his nostrils while his cloven hooves clicked their way past the open door. The button he pushed was at the bottom and was marked “H.”
I think I just scared myself. The above paragraph is not copyright protected and I will let you, Mr. Clouse, edit as you see fit.
CONDON CON DO!!! TeaPARTY FOREVER!!!
HEAR OUR VOICE!!!
brianrbreen on October 05 at 8:17 a.m.
For those that don’t remember the Mehring criminal case was the one that Kirkpatrick pushed with the prosecutor and during the trial the prosecutor handling the case said the following; “You think I wanted to file this stupid case? You’re wrong” “It wasn’t a question of choice”
Pretrial motions accused Kirkpatrick of threatening officers who were defense witnesses with IA investigations. The second link below explains that motion and also notes Judge Price’s concerns about Kirkpatrick’s handling of the case. Kirkpatrick did take the stand in trial and offered the explanation that she wasn’t threatening the officer it was a big misunderstanding.
The mistake Jay Mehring made is immediately after his acquittal the media confronted him and he told the truth regarding Kirkpatrick and the state of affairs at the SPD.
All of this posting is of course simply my opinion and an attempt to add some context to this article.
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2008/oct/07/prosecutor-calls-mehring-case-stupid/
http://www.autoreviewonline.com/tools/story_breakingnews_pf.asp?ID=16885
For those that have concerns about the integrity of the SPD, it is important to understand that integrity must start at the top and work its way down.
tomnsahl on October 05 at 8:30 a.m.
Well said BB (if you have my e-mail, we need to talk)
Postings are missing one of the most important issues in this article - that SPD’s psychologist has been made a scapegoat in this secretive and suspicious City Hall activity. Oh Rocky - if this has been reported accurately - SHAME ON YOU !!
Dr. Palmer is the most competent and ethical counselor I have ever known and worked with. Her service to officers, families and this community is above reproach.
brianrbreen on October 05 at 8:35 a.m.
@tomnsahl
I know she is, that is why this and so many other things make guys like you and me fume.
I’ll find it!
brianrbreen on October 05 at 9:47 a.m.
@tomnsahl
I sent one, not sure if it was the right address.
Ron_the_Cop on October 05 at 10:11 a.m.
@ Brian and Tom,
Very good posts and you do bring background context to this article even though Brian disavows it;-)
@Soccermomsusie
Again ROTFLMAO - Touche!
brianrbreen on October 05 at 1:08 p.m.
@tomnsahl
I understand the move here. But I also question the judgment of making the complaint to the SCSO. I have a question in my mind whether or not the Sheriff will allow a complete and full investigation. Based on what I’ve seen, not likely, and he will back his investigation and the City’s to the hilt. Does anyone honestly think that Anne and Ozzie haven’t had conversations regarding this complaint..
brianrbreen on October 05 at 3:50 p.m.
@Ron_the_Cop
It’s kinda like seeing the house from the fence, You have to decide whether or not you will take your guys statements, or go look for yourself and then decide what to do,
Ron_the_Cop on October 05 at 8:37 p.m.
@ Brian 3:50PM
LOL. WHOA you are well connected!
Now I’ve got to put my thinking cap on to figure out who you are talking to. I thought you were holed up in your house with the boot of doom. Anyway I think it’s more of a case of Palin saying see could see Russia from Alaska;-) Time will only tell. I’m laying low and will let this play itself out;-)
Truthhurts on October 07 at 6:06 p.m.
My “street sense” is that Verner is losing ground fast on Zehm and the general Treppiedi behavior issues, but that she is going to win the election because things “dawn” on the public very slowly.
By December, she will have won but be a battered 4-year lame duck as public revulsion will rise against her, but post-election.
In any event, the whole “circle your wagons” and attack all who are not within your “groupthink” is deeply pathological, and cannot be cured with Ms. Verner’s gentle ways.