City of Yakima settles suits with officers

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Lawsuits by three Yakima police officers alleging they were subjected to retaliation by then-Chief Sam Granato have been settled for $160,000.

The settlement, which the three will divide among themselves, was announced Thursday in a joint news release from the city and attorney Bill Pickett, who represented the officers.

The city's news release did not acknowledge any wrongdoing.

"The settlement brings to a close what could have been a long and expensive process for everyone involved," City Manager Dick Zais said, adding he's comfortable with the settlement.

Pickett called his clients brave for not putting up with retaliatory behavior, and said he hoped Granato's retirement in January was a "step in the right direction."

"Hopefully, lesson learned," he said.

Lawsuits by sergeants Rod Light and Brenda George alleged they were victims of retaliation stemming from their actions at the Yakima Police Athletic League youth center in 2005 and 2006.

George said that after she reported improper behavior by a PAL staff member, Granato denied her a chance at career advancement and subjected her to sexist comments.

Light claimed he was abused and retaliated against by Granato after making similar reports.

Later, a civilian PAL employee sued the city, alleging police supervisors didn't do enough to stop an officer and friend of Granato's from making fun of her speech impediment. The city settled that suit for $200,000.

The third lawsuit was brought by Officer Stacey Andrews, who said she was the victim of sexual harassment by Granato as well as threats of retaliation for complaining about it.

An investigation by an Ellensburg labor-law attorney concluded the chief's interactions with Andrews were troubling but did not cross the line into sexual harassment.

All three officers are still with the force. Light was a captain at the time he sued the department; however, he has since been demoted to sergeant.

Light was placed on paid leave in March 2010 after an outside investigator was hired by the city to look into his previous romantic relationships with two female sergeants.

City officials have not detailed the investigation. But Pickett, Light's attorney, said it concluded the then-captain's relationships with female subordinates didn't violate police department or city policies.

The investigation, however, also looked into allegations that Light improperly removed a draft of his performance evaluation from the desk of then-Deputy Chief Kelly Rosenow and made a copy.

Pickett said the investigation concluded Light should be disciplined for theft.

Light's demotion last summer came after negotiations to get him to dismiss his lawsuit and retire broke down. He is currently pursuing a separate administrative claim before the Public Employment Relations Commission.

Despite the settlements, at least three other lawsuits by other officers against the city and Granato are still active.

* Chris Bristol can be reached at 509-577-7748 or cbristol@yakimaherald.com.