UPDATED: Mayor Hires "Independent" Investigator

I learned today from an unidentified source that Jayne Freeman, JD is the likely "independent" lawyer investigating the case in which 5 lead staff were early-on infected with COVID-19 and were told by the COO "to be quiet."

It appears Ms. Freeman's primary work is defending and advising government agencies and thus may be biased. It appears she has only tertiary experience with investigations; and so Council may be unsatisfied and find their own investigator.  Ms. Freeman was hired by the city Human Resources Director who reports to the Mayor. The city paid $49,999.99 for the contract (one penny short of needing council approval.) 

Jayne Feeman, JD

BIO:  Ms. Freeman is a Shareholder and a member of the Board of Directors of Keating, Bucklin & McCormack, Inc. P.S. Ms. Freeman defends and advises government agencies and employers on police liability and employment/personnel matters,including discipline, termination, disability accommodation, and allegations of discrimination, sexual harassment, criminal acts of employees, work place safety, and negligent hiring/supervision. She has defended police departments,officers, supervisors, and employers in state and federal trial and appellate courts. Ms. Freeman also conducts workplace investigations regarding employment matters.

Ms. Freeman joined KBM in 1994 and is admitted to practice in all Washington State and Federal courts, as well as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.

-- Bob Yoder, opinion