How a “Star Wars”-Themed Love Letter Helped Get Seattle's Police Chief Fired from His Job
Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz was fired on Tuesday, Dec. 17, after an investigation into his alleged relationship with his chief of staff
AP Photo/Elaine Thompson
Adrian Diaz listens to a question during a news conference about changes being made at the department Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020, in SeattleSeattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz has been fired over an alleged relationship he had with a staff member, and a Star Wars-themed letter is at the center of the investigation.
Diaz was fired on Tuesday, Dec. 17, the same day Mayor Bruce Harrell released a report announcing his termination and detailing findings about the alleged relationship, according to NBC affiliate KING-TV.
Among the evidence against Diaz is a love letter found in a police department-issued Toyota Highlander by his security detail, according to an investigation report released in November.
The Papyrus birthday card with an Ewok on the front was addressed to “AZD” and included a handwritten message.
KING-TV reported city investigators believe the letter was written by former Chief of Staff Jamie Tompkins, who resigned in November.
“You woke me up,” the letter read, in part. “Like a prince in one of your Disney movies. I hope I always know your kiss. I hope I always feel your influence. I hope to always know you and me. I love you.”
Karen Ducey/Getty
Adrian Diaz of Seattle Police speaks at a press conference as Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan (R) looks on at Seattle City Hall on August 11, 2020 in Seattle, WashingtonIn the latest report, Harrell indicated Diaz violated multiple police department policies and recommended he be relieved of his duties as chief of police.
“This type of decision is not made lightly,” the mayor said in the letter. “It is based on a comprehensive investigation that provided factual findings that suggest Diaz acted inconsistently with Seattle Police Department (SPD) policies.”
When reached by PEOPLE on Friday, Dec. 20, about the firing, Tim Robinson, communications manager for the Seattle City Attorney's Office, declined to comment. PEOPLE has reached out to the mayor's office and Tompkins for comments.
In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, Diaz says he looks forward “to clearing my name and exposing the City’s retaliatory actions."
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“This termination lacks legitimate or lawful justification; it is an act of retaliation for my prior disclosure of my sexual orientation and my refusal to comply with what I believed to be an unlawful directive from the Mayor,” Diaz adds.
Rumors of the romance initially surfaced in August 2022 before the employee began working for the city, according to the 40-page investigation report.
In May 2023, Tompkins was hired as Diaz’s chief of staff, even as rumors reportedly continued. Diaz denied the romance when formally questioned and said she was hired based on her work.
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In his statement, Diaz says he “strongly” disagrees with both the decision to fire him “and the purported reasons behind it.”
"I proudly dedicated 27 years of service to the City of Seattle, and I was deeply saddened and blindsided by Mayor Harrell’s decision earlier today to terminate my employment,” Diaz shares. “From the start of this investigation, I have been truthful and clear: I never engaged in a romantic or inappropriate relationship.”
He says, “The rushed investigation report, which the Mayor claims to have relied upon, is fundamentally flawed. The investigator chose not to consider crucial evidence, neglected to interview key witnesses, and failed to preserve evidence, all of which would have exonerated me.”
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