How the West story unfolded
May 5
The Spokesman-Review publishes report that Spokane Mayor Jim West used his mayoral office to lure young men and is accused of sexual molestation in the 1970s. West issues statement denying allegations, refuses to take questions at City Hall.
May 6
Brad Crelia says he was a 15-year-old Lewis and Clark High School student in 2001 when West, then a state legislator, asked him out. Another man says he reported sexual abuse by sheriff’s deputy David Hahn to West and was told to “forget it.” City Attorney Michael Connelly announces independent investigation into West’s internship program and use of city e-mail.
May 9
West takes leave from office to prepare defense against “false accusations leveled against me.” Shannon Sullivan files recall petition. Ryan Oelrich and another man say West offered them positions at City Hall after meeting in the Gay.com chat room.
May 10
FBI launches initial inquiry into public corruption allegations against West.
May 13
James McDevitt, U.S. attorney for Eastern Washington, recuses himself from FBI probe.
May 19
West returns to office.
May 23
West denies new allegations that he pulled down the pants of boys at a Boy Scouts camp in the late 1970s and, as a deputy, fondled a teen during a search for marijuana in 1977. The Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce and Spokane Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau ask West to resign. West issues statement saying, “I intend to serve out the remainder of my term.”
May 31
City Council unanimously calls for West to resign. West appears on NBC’s “Today,” says his anti-gay votes in state Legislature represented the views of his constituents.
June 1
Recall petition certified by county prosecuting attorney.
June 2
County and state Republicans urge West to resign.
June 3
West faces Spokane media for first time and vows not to resign in televised press conference.
June 10
In e-mail made public, West says he’s found new spirituality and has redoubled his effort to manage the city.
June 13
Judge approves one of three recall charges against West: that he used his office improperly to “solicit internships for young men for his own personal uses.”
June 14
First batch of West e-mails released to public by city.
June 16
City panel investigating West postpones its second meeting after The Spokesman-Review requests that meetings be open to public under state’s Open Meetings Act.
June 20
West urged to forgo appeal of recall by Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Council and Convention and Visitors Bureau.
June 24
City investigative panel meets in public. Panel member Tom Trulove, an Eastern Washington University economics professor, resigns “for personal reasons.”
June 27
West announces he will appeal recall to state Supreme Court. Former City Councilman Steve Eugster files suit challenging legality of investigative panel. Pending ruling, the panel suspends its meetings.
June 28
Recall sponsor Shannon Sullivan asks high court for emergency review of her misfeasance case. The Spokesman-Review publishes West’s statement on Opinion pages. “I did not molest anyone, 25 years ago or ever, and I have not misused my official office for personal gain.” West says he is appealing recall “because the charges are false, and the ballot statement they would vote on was improperly prepared and is prejudicial.”
July 1
Retired Judge Philip A. Thompson resigns from the city panel, accusing The Spokesman-Review of raising the specter that he is potentially biased. State Supreme Court announces it will meet on July 14 to decide when it will hear West’s appeal of the recall.
Coming up
July 5
City Council will vote on resolution urging West to drop recall appeal.
July 14
Supreme Court will meet.