February 9, 2012 in News, City

City agrees to enter mediation over Zehm suit

Thomas Clouse The Spokesman-Review

Spokane city leaders announced today that they have agreed to enter into mediation with attorneys representing the mother and estate of Otto Zehm to settle a federal lawsuit filed in 2009.

The civil case is separate from the criminal case that resulted last November with the conviction of Officer Karl F. Thompson Jr. for using excessive force and lying to investigators to cover up his actions.

U.S. District Court Judge Lonny Suko in 2010 put the civil case on hold after Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Durkin alleged in court records that Assistant City Attorney Rocky Treppiedi was taking information gleaned from the civil case to help defend Thompson against criminal charges.

“It’s time to move this long-standing case toward resolution, and mediation provides a tremendous opportunity to resolve this case outside of court,” Mayor Condon said in a news release. “Resolving the Zehm suit is a high priority for me and our community.”

Breean Beggs, who represents Zehm’s estate, said in the same news release that he has agreed to the format, in which a mediator helps negotiate a settlement.

“The Zehm family believes that mediation is the most constructive way to move forward towards resolving this dispute,” Breean Beggs said in the release.

Zehm, a mentally-ill janitor, died on March 20, 2006, which was two days after he was confronted by a baton-wielding Thompson inside the Zip Trip at 1712 N. Division St.

A video showed that Thompson immediately engaged Zehm, 36, who had not committed a crime. Police responded after two young women erroneously reported that Zehm had taken money from a nearby ATM machine.

After the confrontation, in which Thompson beat Zehm with a baton and shocked him with a Taser, police found a paycheck in his hand.

Thompson has yet to be sentenced. U.S. District Court Judge Fred Van Sickle postponed the sentencing after an expert witness claimed that federal prosecutors incorrectly summarized his testimony if he had been called at trial.

Nine comments on this story so far. Add yours!

lvgpaul on February 09 at 6:04 p.m.
Let’s get Klubbber Karl in prison before we start talking about a mediation. Then , if Spokane leaders really want mediate,they need to come to the table with a heavy heart and an open checkbook. Rocccy needs to stay home.
Otto_Pilot on February 09 at 6:26 p.m.
** cracks knuckles **
Time to loosen up the Old Phalanges.
“…gonna have a Good Time!”
Shadedmuse on February 09 at 7:06 p.m.
Otto should get no tax payers money for his criminal activity!!!!! if we have to pay otto then why not give money to everyone in jai. like the back pack bomber.
free karl thompson he is a hero!!!!!!!!!!
lewis8457 on February 09 at 7:45 p.m.
i agree lets see Thompson wearing prison dress then the city can settle with the Zehm family first things first put the rotten cop behind bars.
i bet the first thing the Zehm family will demand is Thompson sentenced for his part in their sons homicide.
the fact the klubber walks free spits in the eye of every good law abiding person out there.
lewis8457 on February 09 at 7:46 p.m.
shadedmuse thompson is free, for now…….
The_Seer on February 09 at 7:48 p.m.
I thought jadedruse was banned?
The lawyers are accepting the mediation offer but would have preferred a trial because it would have resulted in a much larger settlement. The reasons will come out later.
Don’t forget this is the same Rocky who is leading the charge in Olympia to make it harder for citizens to gain access to public records in District 81, aided and abetted by so-called progressive Lisa Brown. Call and e-mail your state legislators urging them to stop their efforts.
D Statler on February 09 at 10:45 p.m.
I see seven zeros in the Zehm family settlements future. This would have been a fraction if Spokane’s elected officials wouldn’t have covered up this mess. Spokane needs to pay a hefty settlement to make sure Otto’s point gets driven home. Best wishes to the Zehm’s. Could we interest you in any public property in liew of our tax dollars? The city hall property on Spokane Falls Blvd comes to mind :^(
ChiefsFan21 on February 09 at 10:57 p.m.
Obvious what they’re trying to do here.Prolong the convicted felons sentencing until they settle with the Zehms.Once settled case back on for a mistrial setup to get their scum off the hook again.
The_Seer on February 10 at 8:53 a.m.
dstatler: The ghost of Jimmy Marx already owns city hall!