Washington State Patrol Investigation Findings
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WASHINGTON STATE PATROL
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION
Investigative Report
FILE TITLE Catherine Woodard Interview
OTHER CASE
INVESTIGATOR Lieutenant Grant Hulteen
CASE NUMBER 03-004969'
SUBJECT City of Tacoma: Catherine Woodard
SYNOPSIS:
On August 13, 2003, Washington State Patrol (WSP) Investigators Grant
Hulteen, Mike Haw, Major Bambino, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Agents Mark Ferbrache and Gary Plowlosky, along with Washington State
Assistant Attorney General (WSAAG) Brian Moran and United States Assistant
Attorney (USAA) Don Currie interviewed Tacoma Police Department (TPD)
Assistant Chief Catherine Woodard at Attorney John Wolfe's office in
Seattle. The interview was not tape. recorded at the request of Wolfe.
Before the interview, Currie and Moran entered into a Proffer Agreement
with Woodard and Wolfe.' Currie provided Woodard with a letter which set
the ground rules for the interview, and stated that information obtained
from Woodard during the Proffer interview would not be used in trial should
charges be filed against her.
On August 20, 2003, Woodard was again interviewed by WSP Investigators
Hulteen, Detective Sergeant Ken Wade, Bambino, and FBI Agent Plowlosky,
along with WSAAG Moran and USAA Currie in Attorney Wolfe's office in
Seattle. This interview was also not tape recorded at the request of Wolfe.
Woodard talked about the following subjects:
" her employment history,
" her relationships with other employees and the Brames,
" her assignments with David Brame,
" Crystal Brame,
" Haley Brame,
" David Brame Junior,
" Brame's apartment,
. phone calls between Bill Woodard and Crystal on March 10, 2003,
and Crystal and Catherine Woodard on March 31, 2003, and the notes from
those calls,
" her contact at the Judson's residence on April 11, 2003,
Page 2
Woodard's as well as other TPD employee's knowledge of domestic
violence between
the Brames,
. TPD's contact with and subsequent complaint by local Architect
Leroy Pardini,
" her knowledge of city contracts and land acquisitions,
" Brame's promotions,
" TPD promotional exams and processes,
" Assistant Chief John Batiste,
" Brame's performance as Chief,
. her activities on the day Brame shot Crystal and himself on
April 26, 2003,
" her occupancy of the Chiefs office,
" her administrative leave assignment,
" the removal of items from TPD,
" shredded documents,
" sex issues within TPD, and
" an incident involving Wendell Brown and a prostitute.
DETAILS:
On August 13, 2003, Washington State Patrol (WSP) Investigators Grant
Hulteen, Michael B. Haw, Major Bambino, Federal Bureau of Investigations
(FBI) Agents Mark Ferbrache and Gary Plowlosky, along with Washington State
Assistant Attorney General (WSAAG) Brian Moran and United States Assistant
Attorney (USAA) Don Currie interviewed Tacoma Police Department (TPD)
Assistant Chief Catherine Woodard at Attorney John Wolfe's office in
Seattle. The interview was not tape recorded at the request of Wolfe.
Before the interview, Currie and Moran entered into a Proffer Agreement
with Woodard and Wolfe.2 Currie provided Woodard with a letter, which set
the ground rules for the interview, and stated that information obtained
from Woodard as a result of the Proffer interview would not be used in
trial, should charges be filed against her.
On August 20, 2003, Woodard was again interviewed by WSP Investigators
Hulteen, Detective Sergeant Ken Wade, Bambino, and FBI Agent Plowlosky,
along with WSAAG Moran and USAA Currie in Attorney Wolfe's office in
Seattle. This interview was also not tape recorded at the request of Wolfe.
Employment History
Woodard said she was hired by TPD in September 1977 as a patrol officer.
According to Woodard, her assignments as a patrol officer with TPD included
the Traffic Division, Motorcycle Patrol Officer, Crime Prevention Officer,
and Public Information Officer (PIO) duties. Woodard stated she was
promoted to sergeant in 1989. Woodard explained that her assignments as a
sergeant included traffic and regular patrol. Woodard indicated she was
promoted to lieutenant in 1996. According to Woodard, her duties included
night shift commander in Operations,
Page 3
Internal Affairs, and an internship in the Tacoma City Managers office.
Woodard said she was promoted to captain in 1999. Woodard stated her
assignments as captain included Operations and the Criminal Investigation
Division. Woodard said she was promoted to Assistant Chief on January 14,
2002, and assigned to the Operations Bureau.
Relationship with David Brame
Woodard said she knew David Brame was hired in 1981, but she did not work
with him until September 1999, when they worked in Operations at the 38th
street TPD office. Woodard described David Brame as a cocky, know-it-all,
arrogant, and a vindictive person who supervised by intimidation and fear,
and demanded loyalty from his subordinates. According to Woodard, she was
afraid of David Brame because of his connections within the City of Tacoma.
Woodard stated David Brame was politically well known and well connected
with the local city leaders because of his past police union activities.
Woodard said David Brame was the vice president of Local 6, the police
officers union and after he was promoted to lieutenant, he became president
of Local 26, the manager's police union.3 According to Woodard, David Brame
became an excellent negotiator because of his union activities.
Woodard described her relationship with Brame as tense. Woodard stated that
most of the time she and Brame worked well together. Woodard stated she had
one conflict with Brame over her request to drive a TPD vehicle to the
National FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Woodard explained that she
drove her own vehicle on her own time to Quantico.
According to Woodard, Brame felt that whatever he was doing was the most
important thing and would walk into her office at any time, whether her
door was open or closed. Woodard said Brame was very secretive and would
close his office door whenever someone was in his office.
Woodard said she had limited personal off duty contact with Brame and then
only because they worked together. According to Woodard, she and her
husband, Bill Woodard, went to dinner with the Brames twice. Woodard stated
Bill Woodard and Brame got along better then she and Brame.
Brame's Apartment
Woodard indicated she had only been to Brame's apartment four times and all
at Brame's request; the first time was to pick up keys, the other three
were on the same day; assisting Brame to move beds and frames. Woodard
stated the first time she went to Brame's apartment was on April 23, 2003,
to look at the apartment with Brame and pick up the keys for the apartment.
Woodard indicated that on the Friday before the Canterwood incident, [April
4, 2003], Brame asked her for help moving bed frames. According to Woodard,
she contacted Brame at the apartment just after noon and then left to pick
up bed frames and mattresses at the IKEA and Simmons Factory outlet stores,
and a mattress from City Attorney Shelly Kerslake's residence.
Page 4
Woodard explained they delivered the mattresses and frames to Brame's
apartment around 3:30 PM.
Woodard stated she and Blackwell made out a grocery list for Brame at his
request.4 Woodard stated she could not remember who actually wrote the
list, but denied she did the shopping or put the groceries away in the
apartment.
During the second interview on August 20, 2003, Woodard told investigators
of another time she had been to Brame's apartment complex but not into his
apartment. Woodard indicated Brame was out of town and he asked
Administrative Assistant Jeanette Blackwell and Woodard to take care of a
flat tire on his personal vehicle. Woodard stated she and Blackwell had
gone to Brame's apartment complex, picked up Brame's personal vehicle and
taken it to a tire repair shop.
Relationship with Crystal Brame
Woodard described her relationship with Crystal as friendly. Woodard stated
the first time she met Crystal Brame was at David Brame's promotion to
Assistant Chief.5 Woodard said she was still a captain at the time.
Woodard said most of her contact with Crystal was via the phone. According
to Woodard, after Brame was promoted to Chief, he asked Woodard to call
Crystal and check on her while he was at a FBI command school. Woodard
stated Crystal also called her on May 23, 2002, (Woodard's 46th birthday)
and Crystal talked about her support of Brame and how proud she was of his
career and accomplishments.
Woodard said in January 2003, she was organizing a dinner to celebrate the
recent promotions of the new Assistant Chiefs.6 Woodard stated she called
Crystal to invite her to the celebration dinner with Assistant Chiefs Don
Ramsdell, Rich McCrea, and her at Anthony's Restaurant in Gig Harbor on
February 15, 2003. According to Woodard, Brame explained that Crystal would
not attend the dinner because Crystal felt intimidated, and would make an
excuse in order to avoid attending; excuses like there was a conflict with
the baby sitter or she had, the flu. Woodard indicated Crystal did not
attend the dinner because Crystal said she was rushed and had to get some
things done.
Relationship with Haley and David Junior.
Woodard said she got along with her "boss"' children, [Haley and David
Jr.]. Woodard stated she had bought the children presents and things and
the children had written thank you notes back to Woodard.
Page 5
Woodard explained that Crystal brought the children to Brame's promotion to
Assistant Chief ceremony. According to Woodard, Crystal had problems with
David Jr.'s behavior and Woodard attempted to help Crystal manage David
junior's behavior. Woodard indicated she had not seen the children since
Crystal moved to her parent's [the Judsons] house in February 2003.
March 10, 11, and 31, 2003 Phone Calls
Woodard relayed that at approximately 10:30 p.m. on March 10, 2003, Crystal
called Woodard at her residence but she was out of town at training so
Crystal talked to Bill Woodard, her husband. Woodard stated that during her
conversation with Bill, Crystal said she was looking for Brame, she and
Brame had separated, and Brame was having an affair with another woman.
Woodard indicated the phone call lasted about 10 minutes and Bill had taken
notes.
Woodard indicated that at the request of Brame, she re-wrote Bill's written
notes of his conversation with Crystal's so they would be legible and
subsequently gave those notes to Brame.8
Woodard indicated that on March 11, 2003, Crystal called TPD and inquired
about Brame's location. According to Woodard, Crystal said she had been in
an accident in a parking lot and needed to contact Brame. Woodard said when
she heard about the accident she called Brame's Gig Harbor residence and
left the message "Hope you're doing okay?" Woodard said Brame called her
pager and left a message. According to Woodard, the message consisted of
Brame yelling at her for leaving a message on his answering machine because
Crystal was checking the messages on the answering machine at his Gig
Harbor house, and Brame instructed her not to leave any more messages
there.
Woodard said after she returned from training, Brame directed her to call
Crystal back. According to Woodard, Brame had three points he wanted
Woodard to talk to Crystal about. Woodard stated the points were: (1) For
Crystal not to use the children in the divorce; (2) Crystal should consider
reconciliation; (3) For Crystal to slow down the legal divorce process.
Woodard stated that on March 31, 2003, she returned the phone call to
Crystal and talked for about 30 minutes.
Woodard said that during the phone conversation on March 31, 2003, Crystal
told Woodard, "He [David Brame] needs to stop making death threats" towards
her [Crystal]. According to Woodard, she replied to Crystal "He [Brame]
would never hurt you and he loves you and wants to come home." Woodard
stated Crystal told her David Brame wanted to have a sexual threesome
encounter with TPD Detective Mary Herrman, but Crystal was against the
idea. Woodard explained that Crystal told her Brame was different at home
then he was at work.
Page 6
Woodard stated she could tell Crystal's mother, Patty Judson, had listened
in on their conversation during her phone call with Crystal on March 31,
2003. Woodard indicated Crystal had talked more businesslike and less
emotionally than she had in the past conversations. According to Woodard,
Crystal said she was not going back to Brame; her decision to divorce Brame
was great; and she was happy because she now got to be more involved with
the children. Woodard explained that she told Crystal, "He [Brame] wanted
to see the children more."
According to Woodard, at the end of the conversation they agreed to meet
for lunch sometime after court, but the lunch date never happened. Woodard
stated Crystal's attitude towards her changed between March 31, 2003, and
April 11, 2003, the date of the court hearing. Woodard said she did not
know why Crystal's attitude towards her changed, and denied she told
Crystal she was supporting Brame in the divorce.
Woodard said Brame told her to make notes of her conversations with Crystal
so that he could document any negative things Crystal had done or said
which he could use in the divorce proceedings. Woodard stated she made
notes of her March 31, 2003, phone call conversation with Crystal, but
could not remember the date she gave them to Brame.9
Woodard stated TPD received a complaint from anonymous TPD officers who
insisted the city conduct an investigation into the allegation listed in
the CAD report regarding the Canterwood incident. Woodard said she talked
with McCrea and TPD Lieutenant Bob Sheehan and decided they could not
conduct the investigation on themselves so she called Tacoma City Manager
Ray Corpuz. Woodard indicated Corpuz was not in his office so she left a
message, nothing came of the complaint.
Woodard said that around Wednesday, April 30, 2003, TPD Public Information
Officer James Mattheis called and informed her that her notes of her phone
conversation with Crystal on March 31, 2003, had been found in Brame's
apartment during the execution of a search warrant. Woodard indicated she
took a copy of the notes and met with Tacoma City Attorney Robin Jenkinson
the next day "because it was the right thing to do." Woodard said she was
not concerned about the notes but thought Jenkinson should know about them.
According to Woodard, Mattheis said he would try to keep the notes from the
media.
Sexual Harassment
According to Woodard, David Brame had discussed the sexual threesome issue
with Woodard approximately two weeks prior to the March 31, 2003, phone
call with Crystal Brame. Woodard indicated that David Brame described how
Crystal and he would fantasize about a threesome with Herrman while David
and Crystal had sex. Woodard said David Brame told her that Crystal Brame
would try anything once and Crystal Brame wanted to try a threesome with
retired TPD
Page 7
Lieutenant James Walker.10 Woodard indicated David Brame had the same
discussion regarding the sexual threesome issues with TPD Detective Barry
McColeman, Assistant Chief Richard McCrea, TPD Chief's Administrative
Assistant Jeanette Blackwell, and Assistant City Attorney Shelly Kerslake.
Woodard said she thought Brame told her and the others "to gauge our
reaction to the information." According to Woodard, when she found out
about Brame's interaction and intentions regarding Herrman, she came
"unglued."
Woodard stated she had concerns of harassment regarding Brame's
relationship with Herrman but she was hesitant to confront Brame. Woodard
said she was afraid to confront Brame because: He was her boss, and very
vindictive: her position as Assistant Chief was at will, which meant "Brame
could demote her to a sergeant or something."
Woodard indicated Herrman was usually very happy and cheerful, but after
Brame's death, someone saw her crying in the TPD parking lot, which caused
Woodard some concern.
Woodard said she met with City Manager Ray Corpuz and City Attorney Robin
Jenkinson regarding the Herrman-Brame situation. Woodard indicated they
suggested having a neutral TPD Captain contact Herrman to ascertain if
Brame harassed Herrman and to find out Herrman's intentions.
According to Woodard, on April 29, 2003, about 4:00 p.m. Herrman requested
a meeting with Woodard. Woodard indicated that Herrman told her that Brame
had offered to help Herrman prepare for the detectives exam, and had
invited Herrman to lunch a couple of times. Woodard explained that Herrman
said she was nervous about meeting Brame, but had met him twice, once at
Starbucks, and once for lunch at a restaurant on the Tacoma waterfront.
Woodard stated Herrman thought Brame was just another "horny guy," and her
promotion to detective depended upon Brame so she felt compelled to meet
him. Woodard stated when Herrman got to Starbucks there was another TPD
Captain there with Brame. Woodard said they just talked about the
detectives exam and other non sexual topics. According to Woodard, Herrman
related her meeting with Brame at the waterfront restaurant. Woodard
indicated that at this meeting, Brame broached the subject of a sexual
threesome with Herrman, Crystal, and Brame. Woodard indicated that Herrman
related she was so shocked by Brame's menage e trois proposal that she left
the restaurant and called her mother.
Woodard indicated that according to Herrman, Crystal called Herrman and
also asked her to participate in the threesome. Woodard indicated that
Herrman stated Brame had invited her to the theater with him and Crystal
and afterwards the three of them could go to a hotel in Seattle and engage
in sex but Herrman declined. Woodard said Herrman told her she was not
interested and explained that Herrman never engaged in any type of sexual
relationship with Brame or Crystal. Woodard indicated Herrman was promoted
even though she did not have sex with Crystal or Brame.
Page 8
Woodard relayed that Herrman was also concerned about rumors Herrman had an
affair with Brame, and how these rumors would affect her career and working
relationships. Woodard stated that Herrman told her TPD Detective Barry
McColeman had approached her and told her she could talk to him if she
needed to talk about Brame or his suicide. Woodard said Herrman went on to
say McColeman told her he knew about her relationship with Brame. Woodard
said she told Herrman, if she felt harassed, Herrman needed to report it.
Woodard indicated Herrman had talked with Blackwell about the harassment.
Woodard said Assistant City Attorney Thomas Orr also had some knowledge and
had typed up some type of documentation regarding the possible harassment.
Woodard stated Crystal never attended promotions and found it odd Crystal
had attended Herrman's promotion ceremony. According to Woodard, she felt
Crystal attended Herrman's promotion ceremony to check out Herrman
regarding the threesome proposition. Woodard stated that Brame told her
Crystal came to fantasize about sex with Herrman. Woodard indicated she
thought Brame had harassed Herrman.
Divorce Issues
Woodard stated Brame told her of his pending divorce approximately two
weeks prior to April 26, 2003. Woodard said Brame told her Crystal had
moved out of their Gig Harbor house and into her parent's house. 11
According to Woodard, Brame told her Crystal would come back over to the
house all the time and sometimes Brame and Crystal would talk. Woodard said
she thought this was the reason Brame had been late coming into the office.
Woodard indicated Brame told her Crystal had control issues and now enjoyed
having control over Brame. Woodard stated Brame indicated he quit answering
his phone because of Crystal's attempts to control him.
Woodard said Brame told her that Crystal would show up uninvited at
different locations where Brame was at or scheduled to be. Woodard
indicated Brame told her that Crystal would come over to the Gig Harbor
residence from her parents and come in at any time. According to Woodard,
Brame had become afraid of Crystal. Woodard explained that Brame had told
Woodard that he had unplugged the garage door opener and locked the screen
door in order to keep Crystal out.
Woodard stated she initially learned the Brames had separated on Monday,
March 3, 2003. Woodard said she met with Brame and he gave her a package
with a card from Crystal. Woodard indicated Brame moved close to her and
looked over her shoulder at the card when she opened it. Woodard explained
that the card was signed by Crystal, Haley, and David Jr. and was not
signed by Brame, and she thought Brame did not know what the card said or
what was in the package. According to Woodard, after she read the card,
Brame told her Crystal had moved out of the Gig Harbor residence.
Page 9
Woodard stated Brame's Attorney Ann Meath said Crystal's declarations in
the divorce papers were not good. According to Woodard, she never read the
declarations, but Brame told her about what they said and he stated Crystal
had lied. Woodard said the first time she heard Brame had made death
threats to Crystal was from Brame's rendition of the divorce declarations.
Woodard stated those threats included the allegation that Brame pointed a
gun at Crystal. According to Woodard, Brame denied he made any death
threats or that he had pointed a gun at Crystal. Woodard indicated Brame
denied he sent Crystal flowers because he had choked her. Woodard said
Brame told her the flowers were sent because of special dates, such as
birthdays or Valentine's Day.
Woodard told investigators "In hindsight I should have looked at the
declarations."
During Woodard's interview on August 20, 2003, Woodard told investigators
she learned about Brame's domestic violence issues before March 31, 2003.
Woodard said Brame was at Quantico Virginia attending Command College March
8, 2003, through March 15, 2003, when he told her he never threatened
Crystal's life or choked her. Woodard stated because of Crystal's
allegations in her declarations, Brame sought declarations to counter
Crystal's.
Woodard indicated that Crystal's actions were different from her words.
Woodard said she talked with Crystal the day before Brame returned from
Quantico Virginia in 1997. Woodard stated Crystal related that she loved
and supported Brame. Woodard explained that did not appear to be the case
and gave an example where Brame was an Assistant Chief when the World Trade
Organization (WTO) held a conference in Seattle in November 1999. Woodard
related that Seattle Police Department called TPD for assistance, but Brame
could not go because Crystal had plans to go Christmas shopping and
demanded Brame stay home and watch the children. Woodard said Brame came
"unglued" but did not go to Seattle. Woodard stated another incident
occurred when Brame attended a City Council meeting, which was locally
televised. Woodard indicated the meeting ran late and Crystal was in a rage
that Brame was late, and she demanded to know where he was even though she
was told he would be at the meeting and could have turned on the television
and seen that Brame was at the City Council meeting. Woodard said Crystal
also went into a rage because she was not in the pictures in the newspaper
when Brame was sworn in as Chief of police, while Brame, his sister and
Haley were pictured in the paper. Woodard stated those were the reasons she
thought Crystal did not support Brame in his career.
Woodard said she did not'recall any discussion with Administrative
Assistant Blackwell regarding the divorce issues published in the Seattle
Times newspaper. Woodard stated the information about the divorce came from
John Hathaway, a bar tender and publisher of the New Tahkoman web paper.
Woodard indicated on April 25, 2003, she talked with Corpuz regarding the
domestic violence allegations against Brame. According to Woodard, Corpuz
told her City of Tacoma Mayor Bill Baarsma and he were going to support
Brame and were not going to have an investigation conducted on Brame
regarding the allegations.
[end of part one]
Cloud Writer
Page 10
Woodard stated David Brame told her about some potentially embarrassing
and personal things that he was concerned would become public during the
divorce. Woodard said David Brame told her that he and Crystal made
annual trips to a nudist resort, which Woodard deduced was in Palm
Springs. Woodard indicated David Brame also related an incident to her
about a contact between Dan Brame, David's brother, and Crystal. Woodard
stated that David Brame told her Crystal had gotten mad at David Brame
during his 1999 promotion ceremony, and Crystal told him at the ceremony
that some years prior Dan Brame had come over to their house and had
shown Crystal a picture of himself naked, sporting an erection. Woodard
explained that Dan Brame asked Crystal, "What do you think of that?"
According to Woodard, David Brame said Crystal was wearing a bikini and
Dan Brame asked if she had another bikini and to try it on. Woodard
explained that Crystal went to the bedroom and changed with the door
open, which allowed Dan Brame to see her change bikinis. Woodard
indicated when Crystal came out she and Dan Brame kissed for a while,
then Dan Brame left. Woodard said she thought more had occurred between
Crystal and Dan Brame.
April 11, 2003, Canterwood Trespass
Woodard said on April 11, 2003, she went with Brame to the Judson's
residence in Canterwood and explained the reason she did so. Woodard
said on April 9, 2003, Brame asked her to accompany him to the change-
of-venue hearing in King County Regional Justice Center regarding
Brame's divorce. 12 Woodard stated that at 7:00 a.m. on April 10, 2003,
she, Detective Barry McColeman, and TPD Public Information Officer James
Mattheis accompanied Brame to the hearing at the King County Justice
Center in Auburn. Woodard indicated the case was not heard by the
commissioner because of some legal issue, so they left the courtroom and
waited in the lobby while the attorneys for David and Crystal talked in
another room and out of sight from where they were located.
Woodard stated she, Mattheis, McColeman, and Brame waited in the lobby
of the Justice Center while Brame's attorney, Ann Meath met to negotiate
with Crystal's attorney, Joseph Lombino. According to Woodard, Meath
came out of the room and stated Crystal wanted some items such as:
lamps, her ice skates, and clothes from the Gig Harbor residence.
Woodard indicated Meath contacted Lombino in the other room three or
four times, negotiating the exchange of the items and the children,
David Jr. and Haley Brame. According to Woodard, Meath told Brame,
"Don't play games. Don't go alone to pick up the children." Woodard said
she informed Meath she knew Crystal and was in an "okay position" to
accompany Brame to the Judson's residence. Woodard said Meath replied
"Okay, you go." 13 Woodard indicated Meath went back into the room and
talked to Lambino and when she returned, told Woodard it was okay for
Woodard to go with Brame and that Crystal also wanted her diamond
pendant.
Page 11
Woodard stated Brame told her to contact him on April 11, 2003, at his
Gig Harbor residence with her Ford Expedition. Woodard indicated she
arrived at Brame's residence at 4:30 p.m. and Brame gave her a tour of
the house. Woodard said she picked out the clothes for Crystal since she
and Crystal were both women and Crystal often commented on Woodard's
clothes. Woodard stated she picked out running-around clothes, the
skates, jeans, and the diamond pendant. According to Woodard, Brame took
photographs of the clothes and items they were taking to Crystal.'4
Woodard said Brame watched his wedding video until 5:50 p.m. when they
left to go to the Judson's residence in Brame's Toyota. According to
Woodard, she and Brame were not armed and both wore civilian clothes.
Woodard indicated during the drive to the Judson's, Brame never
displayed any anger toward Crystal, but was upset that he had to be
announced at the guard shack before he could enter Canterwood. Woodard
explained that when Brame drove up to the guard at the gate to
Canterwood, Brame told the guard: "David Brame here to see the
Judsons." Woodard said the guard went into the guard shack and called
the Judsons. Woodard stated she never spoke to the guard or presented
any identification to the guard. 15
Woodard said after they were allowed into Canterwood, Brame drove to the
Judson's residence, and backed into the driveway and parked. According
to Woodard, she told Brame to let her do the talking and not to get into
a fight with Crystal. Woodard stated she was there to keep the peace,
and thought Crystal and the children liked her, which should have made
the exchange civil.
Woodard said Brame rang the doorbell then stood behind her. Woodard
indicated she was holding the clothes for Crystal when the door opened
and Crystal instantly began to yell at her along with Crystal's parents,
Patty and Lane Judson, about Woodard's presence at the Judson's
residence. According to Woodard, Crystal yelled, "What are you doing
here? You're not supposed to be here" or something similar. Woodard
indicated Crystal and her parent's outburst "dumbfounded" her. Woodard
said it was a very chaotic situation; she was trying to show Crystal the
clothes, Crystal and the parents were yelling, and Brame was just
standing behind her not saying anything. Woodard stated she thought
Crystal's mother grabbed the clothes from her, and then Woodard said she
put her thumbs into her pockets; and then Crystal's father, Lane Judson,
got in Woodard's face and stood toe to toe with her. Woodard said she
asked Lane Judson what he was doing and he replied, "I'm standing there
like you are. You're not intimidating." Woodard explained that she took
her thumbs out of her pockets and backed away from Lane Judson.
Woodard indicated Crystal said there was a court order that indicated
Woodard was not supposed to be at the Judson's residence. Woodard said
she was unaware of any court order and thought Lambino and Meath had
made an agreement that Woodard would accompany Brame to pick up the
children. Woodard indicated Crystal held a white piece of paper up in
Woodard face and said
Page 12
something about, family only, Woodard was not allowed. Woodard explained
that Crystal put a yellow piece of paper in Brame's face, which Woodard
thought was a list of items taken from the Gig Harbor residence.
Woodard stated the children; Haley and David Jr. were inside the
Judson's residence and when they came out appeared to be normal and
apparently not upset about the confrontation at the door of the Judson's
residence. Woodard said Brame walked the children to his Toyota but
Crystal got between Brame and the car door. According to Woodard,
Crystal was screaming at Brame for his phone number, his apartment
number, not to turn off his phone, and not to ask the children any
questions about her.
Woodard stated she, Brame, and the children got into the car and left
after Crystal said goodbye to Haley and David Jr. Woodard told
investigators that while in the Toyota, she reflected back at what had
just occurred and could not believe what happened at the Judson's, and
she cried. Woodard indicated she felt hurt and frustrated over how the
Judson's, Crystal, and Brame had treated her. Woodard stated Brame never
apologized or called to check on how she was doing regarding the
incident.
Woodard said Brame did call her residence on Friday, April 11, 2003,
between 11:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. and told her about the 911-phone call
Crystal and Patty Judson made. Woodard indicated that it was a hot call
put out on the Mobile Data Terminal (MDT). 16 Woodard indicated Brame
instructed her to call Corpuz and explain what happened at Canterwood.
Woodard said she called Corpuz's cell phone and left a message.
Woodard stated TPD Captain Stanley Fisk faxed the Computer Aided
Dispatch (CAD) report regarding Crystal's 911-phone call to Woodard's
residence where Crystal alleged Woodard had trespassed and threatened
her at the Judson's residence that night, April 11, 2003. Woodard
indicated she was aware the CAD report had been passed among multiple
TPD officers and PCSO deputies via the MDT's, but she was not sure who
had seen or read the CAD report.
Woodard indicated that at 10:00 a.m. on April 12, 2003, she talked with
Corpuz for about 30 minutes regarding the Canterwood incident. Woodard
said she told Corpuz she and Brame had done nothing wrong at Canterwood;
the attorneys had agreed Woodard would accompany Brame to the Judson's
residence. Woodard indicated she told Corpuz the CAD report was wrong,
they had not done what was alleged in the report; trespassed, threatened
or intimidated Crystal and the Judsons.
Woodard indicated that around 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2003,
she talked with Detective McColeman about the incident at the Judson's
residence. Woodard said she confirmed with McColeman that Attorney Ann
Meath told Woodard to go with Brame to the Judson's residence. Woodard
explained to McColeman what occurred at the Judson's residence and
denied that she
Page 13
and Brame entered under false pretenses and denied she had threatened
Crystal. Woodard stated she told McColeman she was upset Brame had not
called her to check on how she was doing as a result of the situation
Brame put her in at the Judson's residence. Woodard explained that Brame
was self-centered so it did not surprise her he had not apologized or
called her.
Woodard stated she had also talked to Meeks and Ramsdell about the
Canterwood incident on Saturday, April 12, 2003, because they were at
the TPD office when she arrived there.
When questioned about trespassing, Woodard replied she could not
remember being told to leave the Judson's property, however, there was a
lot of yelling and it was a very confusing situation. Woodard stated she
did not stay on the Judson's property to taunt Crystal, and she was only
at the Judson's residence for five minutes.'7
Woodard stated when TPD received the anonymous complaint letter that
asked for an investigation into allegations of criminal violations by
Woodard and Brame regarding their contact at the Judson's, she took the
letter to Corpuz who decided not to investigate because the letter was
from anonymous officers.
Domestic Violence
Woodard stated she had domestic violence training and years of on the
job experience. Woodard said she knew she had only heard the male side
of the domestic violence and Brame had convinced her Crystal was
unstable. Woodard explained the she thought Crystal embellished on
things such as the accident in the parking lot story. 18 Woodard
indicated after talking with Crystal and listening to Brame's side of
the story she felt the truth of what occurred, regarding the domestic
violence, was somewhere in the middle.
Woodard stated she was aware of two instances of domestic violence
between David and Crystal Brame. Woodard indicated both times she heard
Crystal struck Brame. Woodard said she was the night shift duty
lieutenant in 1996, when she received a phone call from a TPD sergeant
who advised her that Crystal struck Brame and he left his residence and
went to his parents, Gene and Beverly Brame's residence. Woodard said
she was aware that Beverly Brame had taken pictures of the injuries to
Brame allegedly inflicted by Crystal.
Woodard said some time during the 1990's (she could not remember the
exact date), the second domestic violence had occurred between the
Brames, but after this incident of domestic violence, Brame went to the
Gig Harbor Police Department (GHPD) to report it but did not complete
the report. Woodard stated Brame called TPD officer Norm Conaway and had
him contact Brame at
Page 14
the GHPD. According to Woodard, Conaway took photographs of Brame
injuries. Woodard stated the injuries consisted of a bruise on Brame's
arm and scratch on his neck.
Woodard indicated Meeks also had contacted Brame after one of the two
incidents. Woodard said Meeks had video taped Brame's injuries. Woodard
stated Meeks could not find the video tape; Meeks thought his children
had recorded over the tape.
Woodard said Brame explained that he thought the reason they had fought
was because Crystal had postpartum blues after the birth of Haley, and
that she was very emotional and was the reason Crystal had assaulted
Brame. Woodard said that Brame told her he had talked with Lane Judson,
Crystal's father about Crystal's behavior.
Woodard said Brame's core group, Meeks, TPD Administrative Assistant
Jeanette Blackwell, TPD Assistant Chief Richard McCrea, and TPD
Lieutenant Bob Sheehan all knew of the domestic violence between the
Brames.
Woodard said she was not present at the April 25, 2003, meeting between
Tacoma City Attorney Robin Jenkinson, Assistant City Attorney Elizabeth
Pauli, Human Resource Manager Phil Knutson and Assistant Human Resource
Director Mary Brown when they allegedly discussed Brame and the
allegations. Woodard explained that it was her opinion that the words:
"take the gun and badge" may not have been said, but that placing Brame
on administrative leave had probably been discussed. Woodard stated
placing someone on administrative leave was the same as taking their gun
and badge.
Bundv - Pardini Incident
Woodard stated she had very little knowledge of the Leroy Pardini
incident. 19 Woodard indicated that in July 2002, she was the Acting
Assistant Chief of the Operations Bureau for vacationing Assistant Chief
Ray Roberts. Woodard said she went to the Zoobilees celebration, but was
unaware of the details and circumstances of the arrest, un-arrest, the
complaint by Pardini, and the bribery allegation by TPD Officer Joseph
Bundy, until she talked with TPD Lieutenant Barbara Justice at her
retirement party in August 2003. Woodard denied she was
Mr. Pardini is a resident of Tacoma and has several major architectural
contracts with the City of Tacoma. Pardini and his wife were driving
home from the Zoobilee's annual party in a replicated Ford Cobra.
Pardini got into a disagreement with a flagger in a construction zone
over the direction the flagger wanted Pardini to drive through the
construction zone. TPD Officer Joe Bundy was working an off duty job
directing traffic in the construction zone and witnessed the altercation
between Pardini and the flagger. Bundy attempted to arrest Pardini and
got into a physical altercation with Pardini, and Pardini's wife, which
resulted in Pardini's physical arrest. During the arrest, Pardini
allegedly attempted to bribe the TPD officers at the scene. TPD Sergeant
Bob Blystone contacted the scene at the request of Bundy because Pardini
had allegedly offered a bribe. Blystone talked with Bundy, the other
officers, and then the Pardinis. Blystone first indicated the arrest was
appropriate, and then after he privately talked with Pardini, Blystone
ordered Bundy to release or "un-arrest" Pardini. Bundy wrote a report
indicating Pardini's offer of a bribe and insinuated Blystone might have
accepted it. Later Pardini filed a complaint on Bundy with TPD. TPD
Internal Affairs (IA) conducted an investigation into allegations
against Bundy, which resulted in discipline for insubordination and
unbecoming conduct. The bribery allegation against Blystone was never
investigated, and he was transferred into TPD IA while the Bundy IA
investigation was being conducted. ,
Page 15
According to Woodard, Justice told her that Blystone called Justice, who
was the command duty officer for the night shift, and advised her of the
situation regarding TPD Officer Bundy's contact and arrest of Pardini.
Woodard stated Justice concurred with Blystone's assessment and his
decision to un-arrest Pardini.
Woodard said sometime after the incident, she saw Pardini standing at
the counter in the reception area of the chiefs office and asked him
what he was doing there and if she could help him. When questioned if
she knew Pardini, she replied that she did not know him, that she went
over to Pardini and introduced herself to him. Woodard denied any
knowledge regarding Pardini's involvement with projects for the City of
Tacoma or projects for TPD.
Contracts and Land
Woodard stated she had no personal knowledge of any contracts the City
of Tacoma or TPD had entered into with outside contractors other than
the purchase of weapons and pursuit vehicles for officers. Woodard
indicated it was not her job, nor was she involved with the
purchase/contract process for the police department or the City of
Tacoma.
Woodard stated she was aware that the police department was building a
new headquarters office at the site of the old Costco store on 38th
street. Woodard denied she knew which architect or construction firm was
working on the new 38th street office. Woodard said half of the building
was designated for fleet and fleet maintenance and the other half for
equipment and offices for ISD. According to Woodard, TPD Captain James
Howatson and Lieutenant Bob Sheehan were assigned as the TPD liaison for
the project until Acting Chief Don Ramsdell had recently reassigned
Sheehan to be the full time department liaison between TPD and the
architectural and construction companies regarding the design and
construction of the new office. Woodard stated Ramsdell transferred TPD
Lieutenant Fred Scruggs to IA to replace Sheehan.
Woodard stated she had a very limited knowledge of real estate
acquisitions by the City of Tacoma or TPD. Woodard said the only real
property dealings she was aware of was the land deal at 23`d and
Jefferson which was the tentative site of the future TPD office, until
the decision was made to build the office at the Costco store site on
38th street.
Woodard indicated she had heard about the Carlton building through the
media. Woodard explained that the Carlton building deal was handled by
Asset Manager Steve Williams. Woodard stated she heard the City of
Tacoma paid too much for the building; she thought the City Council paid
$30,000 or $50,000 too much. Woodard said an Australian company who did
business systems improvements needed a place to work and was negotiating
with the city for space in the Carlton Building. Woodard stated City of
Tacoma Public Works Project Manager Karen Larken was also involved in
the building acquisition.
Page 16
Brame's Promotion
Woodard said several members of the Tacoma City Council had supported
Brame for the Tacoma Chief of Police position. Woodard indicated Mayor
Bill Baarsma was Brame's biggest supporter, but council members Kevin
Phelps, and Rick Talbert, along with Corpuz and former Tacoma Mayor Mike
Crowley also supported Brame for the chief's position. Woodard explained
that Brame politicked the Local 26 union and won their support for the
Chief's position. According to Woodard, Brame thought Labor Relations
Attorney Will Aitchison was his biggest fan, however Aitchison found
Brame obnoxious and did not want to be around Brame. Woodard stated
Councilman Douglas Miller said he would support Brame for Chief if Brame
promoted Woodard to Assistant Chief.
Woodard said she considered applying for the Chief's job. According to
Woodard, she was at the FBI academy and had contemplated competing for
the Chiefs position. Woodard explained that she did talk to Corpuz
before she went to the FBI academy about the Chiefs position, and Corpuz
did encourage her, but he never called her at the academy or asked her
to submit her name for consideration. Woodard stated it would have been
a first, and nice that the police and fire department chiefs were
female. Woodard said the Tacoma Police Department did not network at all
with other police agencies around the state or the country, and she
would have changed that had she been selected as chief.
Woodard denied Brame offered her a deal to promote her to assistant
chief if she did not apply for the Chiefs job. Woodard stated that when
she told Brame she had made the decision not to apply, Brame was
thrilled. Woodard indicated that in early January 2002, she, Bill
Woodard, Crystal and David Brame went to dinner at Stanley and Seafort's
Steak, Chop and Fish House. Woodard explained that Brame asked Woodard
to be an Assistant Chief while they were out to dinner. Woodard said she
accepted the promotion and was promoted on January 14, 2002.
Woodard talked about her concerns regarding the 2001 Tacoma police chief
selection process. Woodard related that no one involved in the selection
process looked through Brame's personal file held at TPD, several of
Brame's references were not interviewed, and no one talked to Deputy
Chief Mike Darland about Brame. Woodard stated they did however check
Brame's resume but did not contact all of his references.20
Woodard explained that after Brame was selected as the Chief, he thought
he was better than everyone else and "they should bow to him." Woodard
said that as an example, Brame attended a Criminal Justice Training
Commission (CJTC) graduation ceremony and was upset that King County
Sheriff David Reichert and Seattle Police Chief R. Gil Kerlikowske did
not walk over to Brame and introduce themselves to him.
Page 17
Promotions and Promotional Exams
Woodard stated she was unaware of any improprieties in the TPD
promotional process.
Woodard said there were no immoral or illegal decisions regarding the
TPD promotional process. Woodard indicated she studied alone for the
sergeants exam, but was in a study group for the lieutenants test.
Woodard explained that it was common practice for officers write down
the test questions just after they had taken a test, and then combine
their questions with other officers who had written down questions.
Woodard stated she made up her own study notes and practice questions
for each promotional exam she studied for.
According to Woodard, in 1996 someone made a complaint against her,
which alleged she gave out answers to an upcoming sergeants promotional
test. Woodard stated she was on the committee that formulated the test
but denied she gave out the answers or questions. Woodard indicated the
complaint was not sustained.
Woodard talked about Meeks' promotion to Assistant Chief. Woodard stated
Brame would consult with the TPD Command staff, specifically McCrea,
Ramsdell, and Woodard, about promotions. Woodard stated Meeks was not
her first choice; he was not well thought of in the department, had bad
ethics, did not represent the TPD command staff well, and had no
credibility with the officers. According to Woodard, the TPD Command
Staff all voted not to promote Meeks, however, Brame promoted Meeks
anyway.21 Woodard said Meeks was Brame's number one choice because of
his loyalty to Brame.
Woodard said she had never been asked for sex as a condition of
promotion, and was unaware of any other females that had been
propositioned for sex in connection with promotions.
Woodard was questioned about Brame's alleged promotional practice of
promoting only good looking and sexually promiscuous women and not
promoting lesbians and not-so-pretty females. Woodard stated she did not
think that allegation was true and gave examples. Woodard explained that
Jennifer Mueller was not recommended for promotion and she was cute.
Woodard indicated Sergeant Cathy McAlpine was not promoted to lieutenant
and was a lesbian, but Lieutenant Karen Kelly who was not cute was
passed over, but later promoted. Woodard said Brame promoted Barbara
Justice, but she was wild and knew a lot of men, but not Brame.
Woodard said she was aware that ex-Sergeant Stan Mowre had propositioned
and sent provocative e-mails to female officers. Woodard stated she
received two e-mails with sexual overtones but did not respond. Woodard
indicated that Officers Becky Bounds and Leona Ellis also had dealings
with Mowery, and that Bounds had become intimate with him. Woodard
explained that Mowery was no longer with TPD.22
[end of part two]
Cloud Writer
Page 18
Assistant Chief John Batiste
Woodard talked about TPD Assistant Chief John Batiste. Woodard indicated it
was Brame's decision to hire Batiste as an Assistant Chief. Woodard
explained the relationship between Brame and Batiste as "okay and then not
okay." Woodard said Brame definitely treated Batiste differently. Woodard
indicated there were rumors around the City that Batiste was "out-shining"
Brame.
Woodard stated Brame told her about the circumstances under which Batiste
left the department. According to Woodard, Brame told her that Batiste's
wife worked at Fircrest Police Department (FPD) as a clerk and was rumored
to have had an affair with an FPD officer. Woodard indicated Batiste, while
in uniform, contacted the FPD office and found the officer talking to his
wife. Woodard explained that argumentative words were exchanged, and at
some point Batiste grabbed his wife's blouse. Woodard stated the Fircrest
Chief of Police intervened, calmed the situation down and told Batiste to
advise Brame of the incident. Woodard said a short time later, the FPD
Chief met with Brame and asked Brame about the Batiste incident. Woodard
explained Brame was furious that Batiste had not told him, because it made
Brame look bad in front the Fircrest Chief.
Woodard stated Brame decided to fire Batiste and wrote out notes to use
when he talked to Batiste. Woodard said Brame met with Batiste on a
Thursday or Friday and advised Batiste he could resign or be fired.
According to Woodard, Batiste resigned that following Monday.
According to Woodard, she thought Batiste should have received five to ten
days off instead of being terminated.
Compensation
When questioned about Brame's compensation package as Chief, Woodard said
she did not have any information regarding Brame's pay. Woodard explained
that there were three pay levels and she thought Brame was at level two but
he wanted level one.23 Woodard indicated the City of Tacoma had a matching
fund deferred compensation program, where the City of Tacoma would match
dollar for dollar, the contributions by an employee to the employee's
deferred compensation account.24
Woodard was surprised and had no explanation why Brame earned more salary
than level one and that the City of Tacoma more than matched his deferred
compensation contributions. Woodard stated Brame was an excellent
negotiator, which he learned from his experience in the
Page 19
police unions. Woodard stated she did not know if Brame had any type of
blackmail information about Corpuz that he used to obtain the higher salary
and deferred compensation contributions.25
Woodard was asked about the Corpuz insurance fraud investigation and
whether Brame used any information to obtain his salary package. Woodard
replied she did not think so, but had very limited information about the
investigations or circumstances on the incident. Woodard said Lynda Corpuz
was eventually charged with insurance fraud through Kitsap County, as the
case was referred there to prevent the appearance of any of favoritism or
conflict of interest
Rav and Lvnda Corpuz Insurance Fraud Allegation
Woodard said what information she had about the burglary at the Corpuz's
residence was second hand. Woodard stated Brame was the captain in charge
of the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) at the time of the burglary
and fraud investigation. Woodard explained that the rumor was Corpuz's son,
Dito Corpuz and his friends had committed the burglary to get money for
illegal drugs. Woodard said when Brame was told about the insurance fraud
investigation against Corpuz, he wanted to tell Corpuz, but Chief Phillip
Arreola told Corpuz.
Dito Corpuz No Arrest Zone
Woodard stated she heard about a no-arrest zone regarding Dito Corpuz.
According to Woodard, her husband, Bill Woodard was an Assistant Chief at
the time when Captain Paul Milbrecht advised that TPD officers intended to
kick open the front door to the Corpuz's residence at 2:00 a.m. and arrest
Dito, who had a felony warrant for his arrest. Woodard stated Bill Woodard
told Milbrecht not to kick open the front door of the Corpuz residence at
2:00 a.m., but wait until Dito left the residence. Woodard indicated
Captain Joseph Kirby, Captain Charles Meinima, and Milbrecht misinterpreted
Bill Woodard's comments to TPD officers at turnout meetings.26 According to
Woodard, officers were told that Dito had a two-block no-arrest zone around
his parent's residence. Woodard denied any knowledge of Dito's arrest by
the Pierce County Sheriff's Department (PCSO) or Corpuz's alleged call to
PCSO in which he demanded they release Dito.27
Brame's Performance as Chief
Woodard stated Brame was not performing the duties as Chief. Woodard said
in March 2003, Brame was not functioning and had lost effectiveness as
Chief. Woodard indicated Brame was late or would miss critical meetings.
Woodard explained that one important meeting that Brame was late to was
with Pierce County Prosecutor Jerry Home regarding the release of sex
offenders by the Department of Corrections into Pierce County. Woodard
stated all the other Pierce
Page 20
County Police Chiefs were there: Brame came late and left early which upset
the others in attendance including Home. Woodard indicated Deputy Chief
Mike Darland had to attend many meetings for Brame because he would not
show up. Woodard indicated Brame looked terrible, he had lost a lot of
weight and he was getting grey hair.
Woodard told investigators she had a conversation with Corpuz about Brame's
performance on April 7, 2003. Woodard stated she told Corpuz Brame was not
focused on his work, and had been talking to the command staff about his
divorce situation which kept the staff from their work. Woodard indicated
that Corpuz told her things in the police department were running smoothly
according to Brame. Woodard explained that all of the command staff were in
fear of their jobs since they were at will positions.
Woodard stated the next time she talked with Corpuz was at the next Monday
morning city executive meeting. Woodard indicated she asked Corpuz if he
had talked to Brame about his lack of performance and he replied he had.
Woodard said that Corpuz told Brame to find a balance between work and
personal issues and to stay focused. Woodard related that Corpuz told her
to let him know if she needed help, but Woodard indicated she was hesitant
to call Corpuz because of Brame's attitude and/or retribution if he found
out she had called Corpuz.
Woodard explained that she was frustrated over a particular project which
Brame was not working on. According to Woodard, she called Corpuz and
suggested Brame take a vacation and one of the Assistant Chiefs be placed
in charge so the project and others could be completed.
Woodard stated on Saturday, April 12, 2003, when she went to the TPD office
she talked with Meeks, Ramsdell, and McColeman about Brame's
ineffectiveness as Chief.
Woodard indicated that on April 12, 2003, when she talked with Corpuz about
Canterwood, she also said to Corpuz; "Do you understand what's going on
with David Brame?" According to Woodard, Corpuz replied "Yes, more than I
want to." Woodard stated Corpuz also indicated he told Brame at least five
times to focus on his job.
The Shooting, April 26, 2003
Woodard attempted to recount her day on April 26, 2003, for investigators,
but had difficulty and eventually used her Palm Pilot to assist her memory.
According to Woodard, on April 26, 2003, she got up at 5:30 a.m. and went
for a walk with her neighbor until 6:30 a.m., then ate breakfast and may
have run some errands. Woodard indicated she met Bill Woodard and her
neighbor, Jackson, at Pavco Flight Center at the Tacoma Narrows Airport at
2:30 to 2:45 p.m. to go flying. Woodard stated she waited in her vehicle
until Bill had completed a pre-flight inspection on the Cessna 172.
Woodard stated she had just gotten into the rear seat of the Cessna when
she received a cell phone call from Elizabeth, her daughter, who told her
that Woodard needed to call TPD Sergeant Barry Paris at the office right
away. Woodard indicated she got out of the plane and called Paris who told
her there had been a shooting in Gig Harbor, Brame had shot his wife,
Crystal, then
Page 21
himself at 3:10 p.m. Woodard said Bill parked the plane and they got into
Bill's truck and drove to the scene. Woodard indicated Bill drove around
the road closed sign at a construction site in order to get there quickly.
Woodard explained that when she got to the parking lot where the scene was
located she got out of Bill's pickup near the bank, contacted the first
officer and identified herself. Woodard indicated she attempted to called
Corpuz but did not get an answer so she called Mattheis. Woodard said
Mattheis was with Corpuz and they were already on their way to the scene.
Woodard stated that while at the scene, Corpuz named her as the Acting
Chief of Police. Woodard indicated she went to the hospital where Crystal
and Brame had been taken, and was there when Brame was pronounced dead.
After referring to her Palm Pilot to assist her memory, Woodard stated that
on April 26, 2003, at 8:00 a.m. she went to the Pink Coconut and tanned in
preparation for a family trip to Florida, then went to Top Foods grocery
shopping, and then the cleaners. Woodard said that at 11:00 a.m. she went
to Office Depot and used her debit card to make a purchase; from 12:30 p.m.
to 1:30 p.m., she and her daughter Elizabeth where at the Tacoma Mall
Nordstrom's were Woodard bought a bathing suit. Woodard related she thought
she went home and maybe had lunch and/or cleaned the house since it was
Saturday and she usually cleans the house on Saturdays. Woodard indicated
she thought she made the entries in her Palm Pilot within 24 hours of the
events.28
Woodard stated the last time she had any contact with Brame was Friday
night, April 25, 2003, and she denied she had any contact with Brame on
Saturday, April 26, 2003.29
Woodard explained that she went to work early on Sunday, April 27, 2003.
Move into Chief's Office
Woodard said her Assistant Chief's office was located on the 4d' floor and
the Chiefs office was on the 3rd floor of the County/City building. Woodard
explained that Blackwell had come into the TPD office on Saturday and
Sunday April 26, & 27, 2003, packed up Brame's personal items and moved
some of her working files and personal things from her office on the 4`"
floor to the Chief's office on the 3rd floor.
Woodard stated that on Monday, April 28, 2003, she started to move into the
TPD Chiefs office and occupied it on Tuesday, April 29, 2003. Woodard
stated that on Monday, April 28, 2003, the media was on the 3rd floor of
the County City building so she went directly into the Chiefs office
through an alternate entrance. Woodard said she and Blackwell moved her
phone and computer down to the Chiefs office on this date. According to
Woodard, the desk and office looked normal and the only items she recalled
on Brame's desk were some routine notes and file folders. Woodard said she
did not go through Brame's desk, except for the right side drawer which had
Page 22
nothing particular in it. Woodard stated she was not sure if Brame's
briefcase was in the office when she moved in.
Woodard said there was never a conversation about securing Brame's office
for evidentiary purposes during the suicide/homicide investigation. Woodard
stated she was in the Chief s office working every day until she was placed
on administrative leave on May 2, 2003. Woodard indicated she had never
been placed on administrative leave before this.
Woodard said the four days she was Acting Chief were very busy. 30 Woodard
stated she attended the officers' turnouts to explain what had occurred
regarding the shooting, answer any questions the employees had and dispel
any rumors, including the rumor that she and Brame had an affair. Woodard
indicated she was too busy and unable to check her e-mail, so she had
Blackwell look at it. Woodard explained that during that week she met with
City Attorney Robin Jenkinson, attended the last turnout, held a press
conference on Monday, April 28, 2003, and met with Corpuz.
Woodard said on Monday, April 28, 2003, she held the Monday morning Chief's
meeting, attended the last turnout, held a press conference, and around
2:00 p.m. met with the Command staff at El Goucho's restaurant. Woodard
stated on Tuesday, April 29, 2003, she held a meeting in the Chiefs office
with the City of Tacoma Legal Department then had a 1:30 p.m. meeting with
Pierce County Sheriff Paul Pastor in his office. Woodard indicated on
Wednesday, April 30, 2003, she did not get into the office until after
lunch and had meetings with several people. Later in the interview, Woodard
stated she was in the office and at 1:00 p.m. had a meeting with Corpuz in
his office at the Municipal building.
Administrative Leave
Woodard explained that on Thursday, May 1, 2003, she only spent a couple of
hours in the office. Woodard said she was at the Center Street TPDD office
when she received a phone call from Corpuz. According to Woodard, Corpuz
called her sometime after 6 p.m. and said "I hate having to do this" or " I
hate having to make this call" then told her she was placed on
administrative leave pending the investigation. Woodard said she did not
have any restriction placed on her by Corpuz when he placed her on
administrative leave. Woodard indicated she later received a letter from
Acting City Manager James Walton, which said she was on administrative
leave and told her to cooperate with the investigation. 31 Woodard
explained that Corpuz agreed to let her remove some personal property from
her offices then turn in her badge, gun, proximity card, police
identification card, and keys on Friday morning, May 2, 2003.
Page 23
Removal of Items from Offices
Woodard stated she went into the office around 7:45 a.m. on May 2, 2003,
and was there for about one hour. Woodard indicated she called her husband,
Bill Woodard to assist her. Woodard explained that she did not remember how
many boxes she and her husband removed from her offices, (Chiefs and
Assistant Chiefs), but thought it might have been one or two boxes.
According to Woodard, Acting TPD Chief Don Ramsdell gave her permission to
come into TPD on Saturday, May 3, 2003, to remove her personal items and
turn in her proximity card then.
Woodard said she came back to the TPD office on Saturday, May 3, 2003,
around 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Woodard indicated they (Bill Woodard, and
her daughter Elizabeth) removed more items from her offices. Woodard stated
she turned in her proximity card on Saturday, May 3, 2003, but could not
remember to whom. Woodard indicated most of the items she removed were from
her Assistant Chief's office on the 4th floor.
Woodard checked her Palm Pilot and indicated it showed she was at the TPD
from 7:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. on Friday, May 2, 2003. Woodard stated that
according to her Palm Pilot she was at TPD again on Saturday, May 3, 2003,
from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. When Woodard was questioned about the boxes she
carried out, she replied they carried more than one box but less than ten.
Woodard stated the items she took out of the offices were mostly personal
items.32 Woodard said she did not take any department files, she only took
files like: her notes for her FBI Command College course, notes from a
safety committee she was on, a file on the Jennifer Muller complaint, and
the Chris Colter file. Woodard indicated she had lunch with Blackwell on
Monday or Tuesday, May 6 or 7, 2003, and returned the safety committee
file, the Muller complaint file, the Colter file, and some floppy disks,
which were Woodard's but had department documents or Woodard's work reports
stored on the disks.
Woodard later corrected herself and indicated she had scheduled a luncheon
with Blackwell, Police Secretary Barbara Buchholz, and Police Secretary
Rhonda Carter at the Spring Lake Cafe at 11:30 a.m. on May 29, 2003, but
Blackwell did not show up so Woodard gave some of the items she had removed
from the office to Buchholz to take back to TPD. Woodard insisted that she
did not take anything out of the offices that she should not have removed.
Woodard was asked about her experience regarding administrative
reassignments. Woodard said when an officer is placed on administrative
leave they are notified by written communication, which would include an
instruction to clean out and turn in their TPD vehicle and gun. Woodard
stated the employee would be allowed to make a call to arrange a ride home
or they would be driven home. Woodard indicated the employee would be
restricted from entering a department facility.
Page 24
Woodard was asked why she removed personal items from her office and she
gave several reasons. Woodard said she cleaned out her offices because she
did not know if she would be coming back to work at TPD. Woodard explained
that her position was very important and someone would be assigned to her
position and would be working in her office and desk. Woodard stated she
had a gut instinct that she would not be back to work at TPD.
Shredded Documents
Woodard denied she ever shredded any documents in the Chief's office, but
had regularly shredded documents from her office on the 4th floor. Later in
the interview, Woodard stated she did not remember if she had shredded
documents on Friday or Saturday, May 2, or 3, 2003.
Woodard said in her position as Assistant Chief she was responsible for the
Equal Employment Opportunities complaint investigations, which were very
sensitive and confidential. Woodard indicated she would have notes and
draft reports which she would shred.
Woodard was shown reconstructed documents investigators recovered on May
15, 2003, from the shredder bin in the Chiefs office.33 Woodard said three
of the documents were confidential documents she wrote for a Chief's
meeting. Woodard stated Brame received a small soft leather briefcase when
he attended the FBI Command College in which he used to carry confidential
documents he did not want anyone else to see. Woodard explained that some
of the documents she had been shown were probably in Brame's briefcase.
Woodard stated she was unaware of any photographic negatives and did not
shred them. According to Woodard, she did not know who would have shredded
the documents shown to her.
Sex Issues
Woodard was questioned about sex issues in the TPD. Woodard said she did
not have any information about TPD employees video taping sex or naked
people. Woodard stated it was her belief that "what happens in someone's
bedroom is private and nobody's business."
Woodard indicated she had not heard of New Horizon's until recently.
Woodard explained that she looked up New Horizons in the Tacoma phone book
but did not find anything related to a sex club. Woodard stated sometime
after Brame's death, she heard from McCrea that Meeks and retired TPD
Officer Lee Giles were members of New Horizons. According to Woodard, she
thought Mattheis was not a member of New Horizons.
Woodard said she did not have any information about sex parties, which
involved TPD command level employees. Woodard explained she had heard that
some years ago that now retired TPD Lieutenant Barbara Justice had a pool
party at her residence where now retired Assistant Chief James Knutson
attended along with Captain Stan Fisk. Woodard stated she heard Fisk got
into a fountain while in his underwear.
Woodard explained that she heard a rumor that Corpuz and _________ were
caught having sex in his hot tub at his residence. According to Woodard,
Corpuz's daughter came home early from school and found Corpuz's and
_________ vehicles in the driveway. Woodard said the house doors were
locked, so the daughter climbed into the residence through a window. Woodard
indicated the daughter found Corpuz and ________ naked in the hot tub.
Woodard stated she heard Knutson tell her husband, Bill Woodard, this rumor
at a retired chief's gathering in July 2003. Woodard said she never
discussed the rumor with_______. Woodard indicated she also heard this rumor
about Corpuz and from her neighbor and walking partner Ann Fuchs. Woodard
added that Knutson later told her the Corpuz's had separated in December
2002, but had since gotten back together.
Woodard stated she had an on-and-off relationship with TPD Sergeant Dennis
Kieffer. Woodard said her relationship with Kieffer spanned about a ten
year period. Woodard indicated Kieffer married Denise Kieffer, who was
another patrol officer with TPD. Woodard explained that she and Denise
exchanged heated words over each other's relationship with Kieffer, but did
not have a physical altercation.
Woodard denied she had any sexual contact or relationship with Brame.
Woodard said Brame never asked and she was not Brame's type. Woodard stated
Brame liked "short, dark haired females with big boobs, which I'm not."
Woodard denied any knowledge of the restaurant "David's on Broadway."
Woodard said she had never been to David's on Broadway.34 Woodard denied
any knowledge of TPD officers patronizing prostitution at David's on
Broadway.
Ex-Pierce County Councilmen Wendell Brown
Woodard was questioned about her involvement in the ex- Pierce County
Councilman Wendell Brown's contact with TPD reference solicitation of a
prostitute.35 Woodard said in January or February 2003, TPD had conducted a
prostitution sting in the Tacoma Avenue area of downtown Tacoma. Woodard
explained that two officers thought Brown's vehicle had a switched license
plate and he had just picked up a known prostitute (Tammie L. Jensen) in
his vehicle. Woodard stated the officers observed that the prostitute had
her head down in Brown's lap while he was driving on Tacoma Avenue. Woodard
stated the officers stopped Brown for the alleged switched vehicle license
plates and the contact turned into a "big brouhaha." Woodard explained the
officers determined there was no probable cause to arrest either Brown or
Jenson for prostitution or soliciting prostitution. According to Woodard,
Jensen, [the prostitute] was arrested on an outstanding warrant and Brown
was released with out any charges.
Woodard indicated the Special Investigation Division (SID) officers had a
bad reputation of not turning in their reports timely. Woodard stated the
Tacoma News Tribune (TNT) heard about the contact with Brown and wanted the
TPD reports.
Woodard said there was some disagreement over the reports, whether one or
two reports were to be written regarding the incident. According to
Woodard, the warrant arrest of the prostitute [Jensen] should have been
written separately from the report about the contact with Brown. Woodard
stated the two officers originally wrote one report, and then the following
day wrote two reports. Woodard said she talked to the two officers who said
they were unaware writing two reports was the proper TPD procedure. Woodard
explained that she did not direct the officers to write two reports, Meeks
instructed Sergeant M. R. Miller to have the officers write the two
reports.36
According to Woodard, regarding the two reports, the one report on the
warrant arrest would be necessary to clear the warrant from the computer
system; the other would document the contact with Brown. Woodard stated if
there was only one report it would have been filed and would not have
cleared the warrant from the computer system. Woodard indicated the other
report on Brown would not be called an informational report; it would be
called a supplemental report. Woodard said she did not know if the
supplemental report would be subject to public disclosure.
Woodard said she did not have a "good opinion" of Brown, and she was aware
"he leans that direction" [referring to patronizing prostitutes]. Woodard
indicated she did not have any knowledge of the prostitute [Jensen] or that
the prostitute had died from a drug overdose on March 8, 2003, which was
the same day she was released from the Pierce County Jail after serving
time on the warrant arrest.
TPD Officers Following Crystal
Woodard said she had no knowledge of anybody from TPD following Crystal but
would not have put it past Brame to have this done. Woodard admitted she,
Meeks, and Brame had followed Crystal when she went to the TPD Attorney
Goddress's office. Woodard indicated she was driving down Pine Street in
Tacoma, with Brame and Meeks, and Brame directed her to make a u-turn and
drive by Goddress's office. Woodard explained that Brame saw Crystal's car
in the parking lot at Goddress's office. Woodard said she assumed Brame
thought Crystal had been talking to Goddress about a divorce. According to
Woodard, she and Meeks sat in the car while Brame went into Goddress's
office and confronted Crystal. Woodard said after Brame came out with
Crystal they talked in the parking lot. Woodard stated when Brame got back
into her vehicle he told them (Woodard and Meeks) Crystal had talked to
Goddress about her divorce options, but Woodard thought Crystal just wanted
to know how to get more money from Brame for routine household expenses.
1 Refer to Addendum BI, Proffer Agreement: Catherine Woodard
2 Refer to Addendum BI, Proffer Agreement: Catherine Woodard.
3 The TPD managers union includes lieutenants, and captains.
4 Investigators found a grocery list at Brame's apartment which was
apparently written by Woodard.
5 David Brame was promoted to Assistant Chief on January 4, 1999.
6 The dinner celebration was for newly promoted Assistant Chief's
Richard McRea and Don Ramsdell.
8 Refer to Attachment BI, Woodard's handwritten notes of the March 10,
2003, and March 31, 2003 phone conversations.
David Brame was promoted to Assistant Chief on January 4, 1999.
s Refer to Attachment BI, Woodard's handwritten notes of the March 10,
2003, and March 31, 2003 phone conversations.
David Brame was promoted to Assistant Chief on January 4, 1999.
9 Refer to Addendum BI, Woodard's hand written notes detailing the
conversation between Woodard and Crystal on March 31, 2003.
10 James Walker was alleged to be the Public Information officer for the
sex club New Horizons. Investigators later learned that Walker was not a
member of New Horizons.
11 Crystal's parents are Patty and Lane Judson. The Judsons reside at
4707 Towhee Drive NW, Gig Harbor.
12 Crystal Brame filed for divorce in King County on February 24, 2003.
David Brame requested a change of venue hearing to move the divorce
proceedings to Pierce County.
13 Investigators interviewed Meath who stated she told Woodard to
accompany Brame to the Judson's. Meath said the Judson's and Crystal
refused to allow Woodard to come to the Judson's, but Meath did not
relay that information to Brame or Woodard. Refer to Detective Major
Bambino's Investigative Service Bureau report on Meath's interview.
14 Investigators were not able to locate these or other missing
photographs.
15 The Canterwood Gate Guard Michael Berquist stated Brame pulled up to
the gate and Berquist stated "who are you here to see?" and Brame
responded "The Judsons." Berquist said "You must be Brame" and Brame
just smirked.
16 Crystal and Patty Judson called 911 and reported that Woodard and
Brame had entered Canterwood under false pretenses and that Woodard was
not supposed to be near Crystal. They also alleged Woodard had
threatened and attempted to intimidate Crystal. Refer to Addendum AB,
LESA CAD report and transcript of 911 phone call conversation.
17 Refer to Addendum AK, letter from "Concerned Officers requesting an
investigation of allegations Crystal made regarding Woodard's and
Brame's contact at the Judson's residence.
18 Woodard told investigators that Crystal had called TPD on March 11,
2003, in an attempt to contact Brame. Crystal said she had been in a
collision and needed Brame to contact her. Crystal's unoccupied vehicle
was struck and received very minor damage. When Crystal returned to her
vehicle after her doctors appointment she found the damage.
19 advised of the incident the night the incident occurred.
Woodard said she did not know when or if Brame was advised of the
incident with Pardini.
20 Of the 13 personal references listed by Brame, six were "unable" to
be contacted by City Attorney Investigator Cynthia Winder. Those six
were: Pierce County Sheriff Paul Pastor, Former Tacoma Police Chief Ray
Fjetland, Lieutenant Bob Sheehan, Lieutenant Jim Howatson, Captain Mark
Langford, and Captain Bill Meeks. Refer to Addendum N, The Reference
Summary Section.
21 Meeks was promoted to Assistant Chief on April 21, 2003.
22 Mowery resigned while under IA investigation for sexual
harassment/discrimination allegations.
23 Refer to Addendum AQ, City of Tacoma pay scales for police Chief and
Police Chief + Def Comp.
24 Refer to Addendum AQ, City of Tacoma AETNA Deferred Compensation Plan
Participation Agreement and Corpuz's letter to Brame dated January 16,
2002,
25 According to the Police Chief advertisement the City published to
solicit nation wide applications, the annual salary listed is from
$87,027 to $116,625 DOQ plus the IRS Section 457 Deferred Compensation
Program.
Refer to Addendum N, City of Tacoma Publication "Tacoma Washington, An
All American City seeking a Police Chief' pamphlet.
26 "Turnout" is the term TPD used to describe meetings where officer
receive briefings at the beginning of their shifts.
27 This information was told to investigators by PCSO Detective Sergeant
Todd Karr.
28 Woodard agreed to provide investigators with a copy of her palm pilot
schedule from March through May 3, 2003, but has not provided the
schedule as of the date of this report date.
29 Witness Patty Tricoli told investigators she saw Brame, his two
children, and Woodard at the Sunset Bar and Grill around 2:45 p.m. on
Saturday, April 26, 2003.
30 Corpuz assigned Woodard to the position of Acting Chief on Saturday,
April 26, 2003, while at the scene of the homicide/ suicide shooting in
Gig Harbor. Corpuz placed Woodard on administrative leave on Friday, May
1, 2003, six days later.
31 Refer to Addendum BJ, Acting City Manager James Walton's letter dated
May 8, 2003, to Woodard regarding administrative leave notification.
32 Refer to Addendum BI Woodard's detailed list of the items she removed
from her office on May 2, and 3, 2003, which she provided to
Investigators.
33 Refer to Addendum BK, On May 15, 2003, WSP Investigators retrieved
shredded documents from the shredder bin in Brame's Office. The shredded
documents were taken to the Seattle Crime Lab where they were
reconstructed. Among the shredded documents were four photographic
negatives which were also reconstructed.
34
35
David Athens alleged that TPD officers had been patronizing prostitutes
at the restaurant "David's on Broadway." David's on Broadway is located
in a large house which has been converted to a restaurant on the main
and basement floors, but also has many different rooms up stairs which
are not occupied by the restaurant. Brown was stopped by TPD Officers D.
Wilkenshaw and C.E. Hopkins at approximately 4:20 p.m., on January 8,
2003. The stopped resulted in the arrest of Tammie L. Jenson on an
outstanding felony warrant #001-01-872-1 for failure to appear on a
charge of criminal trespass in the first degree.
36
Meeks was interviewed and stated he was aware of Brown's previous arrest
for solicitation of prostitution and subsequent trial where the
undercover officer was humiliated on the witnesses stand. Meeks said he
told Miller to have the officers write detailed reports regarding the
contact with Brown in case some controversy arose from this contact.
[end of interview]
Cloud Writer
WASHINGTON STATE PATROL
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION
Investigative Report
FILE TITLE City of Tacoma
DETECTIVE Lieutenant Grant S. Hulteen
CASE NUMBER 03-004969
SUBJECT Jeanette Blackwell Interview May 8, 2003)
SYNOPSIS
On May 8, 2003, Washington State Patrol (WSP) Lieutenant Grant S. Hulteen
and WSP Detective Sergeant Ken Noland interviewed Tacoma Police Department
(TPD) Administrative Assistant Jeanette Blackwell in the conference room at
the Pierce County Sheriffs Office located in the County/City building in
Tacoma. Blackwell said she had secondhand information regarding Crystal
Brame's domestic violence allegations, the April 11, 2003, contact at Lane
and Patty Judson's residence which involved David Brame, Catherine Woodard,
Crystal Brame, Patty and Lane Judson, and boxes Woodard removed from TPD
after Woodard had been placed on paid administrative leave.
DETAILS
On May 8, 2003, Washington State Patrol (WSP) Lieutenant Grant S. Hulteen
and WSP Detective Sergeant Ken Noland interviewed Tacoma Police Department
(TPD) Administrative Assistant Jeanette Blackwell in the conference room at
the Pierce County Sheriffs Office located in the County/City building in
Tacoma.' Blackwell stated she had been Brame's administrative assistant
since he was selected as the Tacoma police chief on January 14, 2002.
Blackwell explained her office is located outside of the chiefs (David
Brame) office. Blackwell drew a diagram of the office, and labeled the
location of the offices.2 Blackwell said Brame appointed Woodard to
assistant chief within a few weeks after January 14, 2003. Blackwell
indicated Brame was unable to focus on his work because of the divorce.
According to Blackwell, Brame talked to everybody in the office who would
listen to him about his divorce, which included Woodard. Blackwell said
Brame told his side of Crystal's allegations to her and made her believe
Crystal was the abuser. Blackwell stated sometime before she left for
vacation on April 7, 2003, Brame asked her to accompany him to the Judson's
residence on April 11, 2003, but she declined because she would be
traveling out of state. Blackwell said Brame then asked Woodard to
accompany him to the Judson's residence and Woodard agreed. Blackwell
indicated Brame told her the lawyers had said it was all okay.
Page 2 of 2
Blackwell said Brame told her he was annoyed because he was stopped at the
gate and the guard announced his presence to the Judsons. Blackwell
explained Brame said Crystal and her family met Brame and Woodard at the
front door of the Judson's residence. Blackwell said Crystal told Brame,
"Oh no. No, no. No, David, this is not supposed to happen or something like
that."3
Blackwell stated Brame told her Woodard was standing with her hands her in
pockets when Lane Judson got in Woodard's face and said, "Don't intimidate"
or "You don't intimidate"4
According to Blackwell, Brame told her when Brame, Woodard, and Brame's
children got into his car, Woodard was looking straight ahead with tears
streaming down her face. Blackwell said Brame was, "Sorry that had to
happen."5
Blackwell stated Woodard's version of the April 11, 2003, incident at the
Judson's residence as Woodard related to her was similar to Brame's
(David). Blackwell said Woodard was upset at Brame for placing her in an
awkward situation. Blackwell indicated Woodard told her Brame never
apologized to her. Blackwell stated Woodard explained when Brame and
Woodard arrived at the gate to the Judson's neighborhood, Brame told the
guard "David Brame" and the guard announced to the Judson's, "the Brames
are here."6
Blackwell said neither Woodard nor Brame indicated Woodard was asked to
leave the Judson's property.
Blackwell stated that shortly after Woodard was selected as the acting
chief, she, Pat Whitman, and Jody Gilliardi brought Woodard's personal
items down from Woodard's fourth floor assistant chiefs office into the
chiefs (Brame) office on the third floor. Blackwell said that on the
Saturday after Woodard was placed on administrative leave, Woodard, her
husband Bill Woodard, Jody Gilliardi, and Tom Orr helped carry boxes of
Woodard's personal items from the chiefs office which Woodard then took
home. According to Blackwell, the items Woodard took home were pictures,
flowers, plants, police memorabilia, and little cars.
Blackwell said she was aware Woodard had returned a call to Crystal Brame
about two weeks after Crystal had called Woodard's residence and talked
with Bill Woodard.? Blackwell stated Brame urged Woodard to call Crystal.
According to Blackwell, Crystal told Woodard that Brame was having an
affair, would not allow Crystal access to money from the Brame's account,
and Brame had made death threats towards Crystal. Blackwell indicated Brame
told Woodard to take notes of the phone conversation with Crystal.8
1 Refer to Witness Book A - G, Blackwell's May 8, 2003, statement.
2 Refer to Addendum G, Blackwell's diagram of the office.
3 Refer to Witness Book A - G, Blackwell's May 8, 2003, statement, page 12,
line
2.
4 Refer to Witness Book A - G, Blackwell's May 8, 2003, statement, page 12,
line
9.
5 Refer to Witness Book A - G, Blackwell's May 8, 2003, statement, page 12,
line
14.
6 Refer to Witness Book A - G, Blackwell's May 8, 2003, statement, page 13,
line
18 and 19.
7 Refer to Addendum BI, Woodard's handwritten notes dated March 10, 2003.
8 Refer to Addendum BI, Woodard's handwritten notes dated March 31, 2003.
me.
brewdude
news:W%CAb.326750$275.1085609@attbi_s53:
> Setting up a new thread for posting the findings that I am converting
> from pdf image file format to text so they can be worked with.
>
>
I think I missed the original message about the findings. Did see
something about a cd. where can this be obtained from?
Thanks.
Dr. Feelgood
"brewdude" <brewd...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:Xns944A2ED2D823Ds...@216.196.97.132...
> I think I missed the original message about the findings. Did see
> something about a cd. where can this be obtained from?
>
> Thanks.
I lost the link to the WSP website but you can e-mail the information
officer a request from the web site or call 360- 438-5866 and request a
copy of the 2 CD set on the Catherine Woodard David Brame investigation from
Ms. Gretchen Dolan.
If you go to the web site look for an e-mail address for Ms. Gretchen Dolan.
(public records officer)
Dr Feelgood
Cloud Writer
This is a work in progress and this is less than half of the index
to the WSP file contents. It does start to give you an idea of what
is there, and what isn't. I mentioned before that lots of info from
the investigation, was NOT disclosed. For instance, the sexual
relationships, who did who, who was in the sex club, has been
redacted - though people are working on getting that informaton
released as well. It will be helpful to know who was connected
to who in our city government and police department in order to
get a deeper understanding of how and why things happened as
they did. (Your tax dollars at work!)
I will continue to work on this file until it is done and proof-read.
I feel having a searchable form of the document is an invaluable
tool.
DOCUMENT INDEX
NAME
DESCRIPTION
BOOKS
SECTION
DATE
Attorney General
Letter to Mayor Bill Baarsma, Deputy Mayor and City Council Member
Bil Moss, City Council Member Bill Evans, City Council Member Connie
Ladenburg, City Council Member Mike Lonergan, City Council Member
Sharon McGavick, City Council Member Doug Miller, City Council
Member Kevin PHELPS, City Council Member Rick Talbert, City Attorney
Robin JENKINSON, and Acting City Manager James Walton, from the
Attorney General Christine O. Gregoire. Re: Cooperation with
criminal investigation into the David BRAME murder/suicide on April
26, 2003 - attorney-client privilege.
BOOK 1
ADDENDUM A
5/13/03
Perry, Diane
State Patrol contract with City of Tacoma
BOOK l
ADDENDUM A
5/6/03
Tacoma Police Department
Request from TPD, authorization letter from WSP, Investigative Plan,
contract, master witness list.
BOOK 4
ADDENDUM A
6/11/03
Ursino, Brian
WSP Outside Agency Protocol document - JENKINSON, Pauli, Ursino,
Hulteen
BOOK 1
ADDENDUM A
Walkinshaw/Hopkins
Medical Examiner's Record, Pierce County of Washington, case number:
030266, deceased, Tammy E. Jensen.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AA
Walkinshaw/Hopkins
TPD General Agency Report, Incident #03-008-0893 (1/8/03) reference
Felony Warrant Arrest #00-1- 01-872-1, Tammy L. Jensen.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AA
Walkinshaw/Hopkins
TPD Incident Report #03-008-0896 (1/08/03) reference prostitution
issue-Wendell Brown and Tammy L. Jensen (date of death 3/8/03). TPD
Supplementary Report #03-008-0896 reference Tammy L. Jensen and
Wendell Brown.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AA
Walkinshaw/Hopkins
TPD Incident Report #030670236.1 (3/7-8/03) reference death of Tammy
L. Jensen (date of death 3/8/03).
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AA
Wilson, Kyle
Copy of Pierce County Sergeant Wilson's Incident History Detail (CAD
Report) L031011252, 4/11/03, reference CRYSTAL BRAME's 911 call -
intimidation and threats, David BRAME, divorce, entered community
under false pretenses. Copy of Wilson's handwritten notes (4/11-
12/03) from his officers notebook and transcript of Wilson's
interview of Lieutenant Jim Andrews.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AB
Rogers, Kenneth Joel
Driver and plate search, and criminal history records for Rogers.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AC
BRAME, CRYSTAL
CRYSTAL's handwritten notes (written on back of map with holes in
it) documenting incidents/issues such as "Linda" from Seasons - too
much makeup, married BRAME because he had a degree, t-ball incident-
control, BRAME call kids on cell phone, bed time, TV, , dentist,
attorney.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AD
Pim, Donelda
Typewritten character letter for CRYSTAL BRAME.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AD
BRAME, CRYSTAL
Chronological typewritten daily log (2/24/03-3/30/03) written by
CRYSTAL BRAME.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AE .
BRAME, CRYSTAL
Copy of CRYSTAL BRAME's daily planner (from CRYSTAL's purse)
provided to WSP investigators by her parents, Patty and Lane Judson.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AE
BRAME, CRYSTAL
CRYSTAL handwritten misc. note on Ralph Lauren Factory outlet map.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AE
BRAME, CRYSTAL Typewritten letter (CRYSTAL's response to 4/17/03
letter) from CRYSTAL BRAME to her attorney Joseph Lombino requesting
the immediate issuance of a retraining order against David BRAME.
(letter also references guardian ad item).
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AE
_ BRAME, CRYSTAL
Laboratories Northwest lab reports concerning tests for possible
arsenic, lead, and mercury in CRYSTAL BRAME.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AF
4/21/03
Ahrens, David
BRAME divorce declaration - David Ahrens.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AG
4/8/03
Ahrens, Julie
BRAME divorce declaration - Julie Ahrens.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AG
4/8/03
DOCUMENT INDEX 2
BRAME, CRYSTAL
BRAME divorce declarations: Clarke, Linda L.; Smith, Marcia R.;
Kindred, Linda; Otto, Nancy; Shepard, Mary; Shepard, Anthony P.;
Judson, Lane H. Jr.; Judson, Patty; Ahrens, David P., Ahrens, Julie;
Knauss, Maxwell R., Ph.D.; BRAME, CRYSTAL.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AG
4/8/03
BRAME, CRYSTAL
Declaration of CRYSTAL D. BRAME venue.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AG
4/8/03
BRAME, CRYSTAL
Letter from Maxwell R. Knauss, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist
(Allenmore Psychological Associates, P.S.) to Joseph J. M. Lombino,
attorney at law, reference CRYSTAL BRAME.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AG
4/4/03
BRAME, CRYSTAL _
Memorandum of Authorities regarding venue (BRAME divorce). Filed in
King County Superior Court - 03 3-00358-5KNT.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AG
4/8/03
BRAME, CRYSTAL
Memorandum of Authorities, RE: entry of temporary parenting plan.
Filed in King County Superior Court - 03-3-00358-5KNT.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AG
4/8/03
BRAME, CRYSTAL
Order of Continuance.
BOOK 5 ADDENDUM AG
3/19/03
BRAME, CRYSTAL
Order on Change of Venue.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AG
4/16/03
BRAME, CRYSTAL Petition for Dissolution of Marriage - declaration
for ex parte restraining order to show cause obtained by CRYSTAL
BRAME against David BRAME. Filed in King County Superior Court.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AG
2/24/03
BRAME, CRYSTAL
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage - motion/declaration for ex
parte restraining order (financial-checking account) obtained by
CRYSTAL BRAME against David BRAME. Filed in King County Superior
Court.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AG
2/24/03
BRAME, CRYSTAL Sealed financial source documents.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AG
2/24/03
BRAME, CRYSTAL Supplemental declaration concerning divorce
including proposed parenting plan. Filed in King County Superior
Court - 03-3-00358-5KNT.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AG
2/24/03
BRAME, CRYSTAL
Supplemental declaration of CRYSTAL D. BRAME (concerning divorce).
Filed in King County Superior Court . 03-3-00358-5KNT.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AG
3/26/03
BRAME, David
Summons to David BRAME ref divorce.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AG
2/24/03
Judson, Lane
BRAME divorce declaration - Lane Judson.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AG
4/8/03
Judson, Patty
BRAME divorce declaration - Patty Judson.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AG
4/8/03
BRAME, David
Declaration of David A. BRAME regarding divorce
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AH
4/2/03
BRAME, David
Financial Declaration of Respondent (David BRAME) with Sealed
Financial Source Documents w/ Exhibits A, B, C, D, E, F (no doc), G
(no doc), H (no doc)
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AH
4/4/03
BRAME, David
King County Court Agreed Order for Change of Change of Venue. Anne
Meath
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AH
BRAME, David
Letter from David BRAME's attorney Anne Meath to Julie Ahrens'
attorney Thomas R. Taylor, Re: BRAME Dissolution, Our File No. 14089-
1; waiver of billing statements.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AH
6/4/03
BRAME, David
Memorandum of Authorities regarding venue (BRAME divorce). Filed in
King County Superior Court - 03- 3-00358-5KNT.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AH
4/2/03
BRAME, David
Motion and declaration order shortening time. Filed in King County
Superior Court - 03-3-00358-5KNT.
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AH
4/2/03
BRAME, David
Motion for Change of Venue
BOOK 5
ADDENDUM AH
4/2/03
BRAME, David
Supplemental declaration concerning divorce including proposed
parenting plan and declarations in support of parenting plan. Filed
in King County Superior Court - 03-3-00358-5KNT.
BOOK 5 ADDENDUM AH
4/4/03
Attorney General
Motion and order unsealing a sealed search warrant file by Brian
Moran AAG.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
5/7/03
BRAME, CRYSTAL
Copy of AT&T cellular phone bill 3/2/03 regarding cell phone 253-851-
1934.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
BRAME, CRYSTAL
CRYSTAL BRAME's Verizon cellular phone bills (253-732-2205) -3/10-
13/03.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
BRAME, CRYSTAL
David BRAME's Verizon cellular phone bill 1/23/03-2/21/03 regarding
CRYSTAL BRAME's cell phone (253-732-
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
BRAME, CRYSTAL
Pierce County Sheriffs Department Case #03-116-0745. Transcript from
answering machine tape from the BRAME Gig Harbor residence.
(messages from David BRAME while he was in Las Vegas during the week
of 4/21-26/03).
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
BRAME, David
AT&T cellular phone bill 10-2-01 regarding cell phone 253-851-1934.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
10/2/02
BRAME, David
Copy of AT&T cellular phone bill 3/2/03 regarding cell phone 253-851-
1934.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
DOCUMENT INDEX 3
BRAME, David
David BRAME's Verizon cellular phone bill 1/23/03-2/21/03 regarding
CRYSTAL BRAME's cell phone (253-732. 2270).
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
BRAME, David_
Internet search result for some of BRAME's cell phone calls
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
5/7/03
BRAME, David
Pierce County photographs of David BRAME's Gold Pointe apartment
during search warrant.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
BRAME, David
Pierce County Sheriffs Department Case #03-116-0745 - transcript
from answering machine tape from the BRAME Gig Harbor residence.
(messages from David BRAME while he was in Las Vegas during the week
of 4/21-26/03).
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
BRAME, David
Pierce County Sheriffs Department Case #03-116-0745. Transcript from
micro-cassette tape found in David BRAME's briefcase in his master
bedroom (Gold Pointe apartment) on 4/26/03 via a search warrant.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
BRAME, David
TPD Verizon cellular phone bill for David BRAME from 12/16/02-
4/25/03 (253-381-3072)
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
Gold Pointe Apartment
Pierce County photographs of David BRAME's Gold Pointe apartment
during search warrant.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
Karr, Todd
Affidavit to seal, search warrant for evidence, return of service,
property report search warrant, complaint for search warrant.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
4/26/03
Karr, Todd
Pierce County photographs of David BRAME's Gold Pointe apartment
during search warrant.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
Moran, Brian
Motion and order unsealing a sealed search warrant file by Brian
Moran AAG.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
5/7/03
Photographs
Pierce County photographs of David BRAME's Gold Pointe apartment
during search warrant.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
Pierce County Sheriffs Department
Affidavit to seal, search warrant for evidence, return of service,
property report search warrant, complaint for search warrant.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
4/26/03
Pierce County Sheriffs Department Pierce County photographs of
David BRAME's Gold Pointe apartment during search warrant.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
Pierce County Sheriffs Department TPD Detective Sergeant M. J.
Portmann. Supplemental report Pierce County Sheriffs Department case
# 03-116-0746.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
6/2/03
Portmann, M. J.
TPD detective sergeant. Supplemental report Pierce County Sheriffs
Department case # 03-116-0745.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
6/2/03
Search Warrant
Affidavit to seal, search warrant for evidence, return of service,
property report search warrant, complaint for search warrant.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
4/26/03
Search Warrant
Motion and order unsealing a sealed search warrant file by Brian
Moran AAG.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM Al
5/7/03
BRAME, CRYSTAL
TAPCO Credit Union statement documenting furniture purchased by
David and CRYSTAL BRAME at Schoenfeld's furniture store. (1996
domestic violence incident)
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AJ
3/20/96
BRAME, David
TAPCO Credit Union statement documenting furniture purchased by
David and CRYSTAL BRAME at Schoenfeld's furniture store. (1996
domestic violence incident)
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AJ
3/20/96
Conaway, Norman Deceased - 7/8/03
Norman Conaway's (deceased - 7/8/03) handwritten notes and David
BRAME's handwritten notes provided by Conaway to TPD on 4/29/03.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AJ
Conaway, Norman Deceased - 7/8/03
TAPCO Credit Union statement documenting furniture purchased by
David and CRYSTAL BRAME at Schoenfeld's furniture store. (1996
domestic violence incident)
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AJ
3/20/96
Gig Harbor Police Department
Gig Harbor report case number 96-0596 - ref domestic violence
BRAME's.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AJ
9/15/96
Gig Harbor Police Department
Norman Conaway's (deceased - 7/8/03) handwritten notes and David
BRAME's handwritten notes provided by Conaway to TPD on 4/29/03.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AJ
BRAME, David
Memo to file from TPD Lieutenant Bob Sheehan reference anonymous
letter from Concerned Officers regarding the incident on 4/11/03 at
Canterwood - David BRAME and Catherine WOODARD.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AK
Complaint letter Concerned Police Officers, TPD Anonymous letter to
TPD from Concerned Officers; Re: David BRAME and Catherine WOODARD -
Canterwood allegation - mailed 4/12/03.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AK
4/11/03
Complaint letter Concerned Police ,Officers, TPD
Memo to file from TPD Lieutenant Bob Sheehan reference anonymous
letter from Concerned Officers regarding the incident on 4/11/03 at
Canterwood - David BRAME and Catherine WOODARD.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AK
DOCUMENT INDEX 4
Complaint letter Frustrated Police Officers, TPD -
Anonymous letter from Frustrated Police Officers, Tacoma Police
Department, to WSP Chief Ronal W. Serpas, Ph.D., Re: Criminal
Investigation/David A. BRAME; RE: Secret Committee
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AK
6/11/03
Complaint letter Fischer, David (TPD patrol officer)
Fischer's complaint letter to WSP Captain Brian Ursino, Re: Criminal
Investigation/David BRAME.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AK
5/21/03
Complaint letter Kopetzky, Gwen (Assistant to city manager)
Kopetzky's complaint letter to city manager.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AK
5/22/03
CORPUZ, Ray
Memo to file from TPD Lieutenant Bob Sheehan reference anonymous
letter from Concerned Officers regarding the incident on 4/11/03 at
Canterwood - David BRAME and Catherine WOODARD.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AK
Fischer, David (TPD patrol officer)
Fischer's complaint letter to WSP Captain Brian Ursino, Re: Criminal
Investigation/David BRAME.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AK
5/21/03
Kopetzky, Gwen (Assistant to city manager)
Kopetzky's complaint letter to city manager.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AK
5/22/03
Sheehan, Robert
Memo to file from TPD Lieutenant Bob Sheehan reference anonymous
letter from Concerned Officers regarding the incident on 4/11/03 at
Canterwood - David BRAME and Catherine WOODARD.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AK
WOODARD, Catherine
Memo to file from TPD Lieutenant Bob Sheehan reference anonymous
letter from Concerned Officers regarding the incident on 4/11/03 at
Canterwood - David BRAME and Catherine WOODARD. _
BOOK 6 _
ADDENDUM AK
BRAME, Beverly
David BRAME's alleged injury photographs taken by BRAME's mother,
Beverly BRAME.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AL
7113/98
BRAME, David
David BRAME's alleged injury photographs taken by BRAME's mother,
Beverly BRAME.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AL
7/13/98
BRAME, David
Department of Licensing driver's check on David BRAME.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AL
Photographs
David BRAME's alleged injury photographs taken by BRAME's mother,
Beverly BRAME.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AL
7/13/98
Photographs
David BRAME's alleged injury photographs taken by BRAME's mother,
Beverly BRAME.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AL
7/13/98
BRAME, David
Golde Point guard's entry gate log (4/26/03-5/20/03).
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AM
BRAME, David
All TPD personnel orders from 1/2002-4/18/03, during David BRAME's
tenure as chief of TPD.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AN
BRAME, David
David BRAME's hire documents and psychological evaluations for
employment.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AO
BRAME, David
David BRAME's TPD application, resume, references, sealed background
file, interdepartmental memorandum on reference check for hire,
background investigation on David A BRAME - 9-22-81, TPD personal
history statement, Psychological release form, Psychological
evaluations from Sutherland and Shaw, waiver release of information
form.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AO
BRAME, David
Photocopy of David BRAME's Dept. of Licensing driver's license.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AO
6/19/98
BRAME, David
Chief Selection Process information. Tacoma Police Chief Finalists,
November 21, 2001, news releases, editorials, and letters to the
editor reference the four finalists for chiefs position.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AP
Chief Selection Process
Chief Selection Process information. Tacoma Police Chief Finalists,
November 21, 2001, news releases, editorials, and letters to the
editor reference the four finalists for chiefs position.
BOOK 6 ADDENDUM AP
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AQ
1/22/02
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AQ
1/17/02
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AQ
1/10/03
BRAME, David
457 Deferred Compensation Rules
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AQ
BRAME, David
Aetna Deferred Compensation Plan Participation Agreement- received
from Beeler
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AQ
1/22/02
BRAME, David
BRAME's P-100 Personnel Action Form indicating Job Classification
change from Assist Police Chief, Step 4 to Police Chief, Step 9.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AQ
1/17/02
BRAME, David
David BRAME's salary information. Letter dated 6/16/02, from Tacoma
City Manager Ray CORPUZ to David BRAME reference BRAME's salary,
BRAME's P-100 Personnel Action Form (Police Chief + Deferred
Compensation), City of Tacoma Executive Performance Appraisal from
1/14/02-10/02 on BRAME from CORPUZ, pay scales/job classifications
for TPD chief, and assistant chief positions, CORPUZ's memorandum to
Phillip Knudsen, Human Resource Director, dated 1/8/03, Re: Deferred
Compensation for Chief David BRAME.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AQ
DOCUMENT INDEX 5
BRAME, David
E-mail fron. to McCalvin = Ref authorization to continue BRAME's 457
Deferred Comp into 2003
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AQ
1/10/03
Tacoma Municipal Code 1.12.100
Travel Transportation Expenditures_
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AQ
Revised 8-03
BRAME, David
David BRAME's salary information. Letter dated 6/16/02, from Tacoma
City Manager Ray CORPUZ to David BRAME reference BRAME's salary,
BRAME's P-100 Personnel Action Form (Police Chief + Deferred
Compensation), City of Tacoma Executive Performance Appraisal from
1/14/02-10/02 on BRAME from CORPUZ, pay scales and job
classifications for TPD chief, and assistant chief positions,
CORPUZ's memorandum to Phillip Knudsen, Human Resource Director,
dated 1/8/03, Re: Deferred Compensation for Chief David BRAME.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AQ
Chief Selection Process
CORPUZ, Ray
457 Deferred Compensation Rules
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AQ
CORPUZ, Ray
Aetna Deferred Compensation Plan Participation Agreement- received
from
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AQ
1/22/02
CORPUZ, Ray
BRAME's P-100 Personnel Action Form indicating Job Classification
change from Assist Police Chief, Step 4 to Police Chief, Step 9.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AQ
1/17/02
CORPUZ, Ray
Tacoma Municipal Code 1.12.100 Travel Transportation Expenditures
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AQ
Revised 8-03
Deferred Comp
Aetna Deferred Compensation Plan Participation Agreement- received
from Beeler
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AQ
1/22/02
Deferred Comp
Tacoma Municipal Code 1.12.100 Travel Transportation Expenditures
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AQ
Revised 8-03
Hairston, James P 100 Personnel Action Form for Hairston and
attached evaluation
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AQ
1/3/02
McCalvin, Mitch E-mail from to McCalvin = Ref authorization to
continue BRAME's 457 Deferred Comp into 2003
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AQ
1/10/03
Tacoma Municipal Code 1.12.100
Travel Transportation Expenditures
BOOK 6 ADDENDUM AQ
Revised 8-03
Tacoma Municipal Code
BRAME Shooting Scene
WSP CAD diagrams of BRAME shooting scene on 4/26/03.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AR
Gig Harbor Police Department
Gig Harbor Police Department, investigative report (GH030460.1) of
the BRAME murder/suicide completed by Gig Harbor PD Detective Dave
Crocker.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AS
4/26/03
Gig Harbor Police Department
Gig Harbor Police Department Supplement Report (GH030460.11) of
statements from witnesses to the BRAME murder/suicide taken by Gig
Harbor PD Detective Kelly Busey.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AT
5/1/03
Gig Harbor Police Department
Gig Harbor Police Department Supplement Report (GH030460.2) of
statements from witnesses to the BRAME murder/suicide taken by Gig
Harbor PD Detective Kelly Busey.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AT
5/6/03
Gig Harbor Police Department
Gig Harbor Police Department Supplement Report (GH030460.5) of
statements from witnesses to the BRAME murder/suicide taken by Gig
Harbor PD Detective Kelly Busey.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AT
5/6/03
Gig Harbor Police Department
Gig Harbor Police Department Supplement Report (GH030460.8) of
statements from witnesses to the BRAME murder/suicide taken by Gig
Harbor PD Detective Kelly Busey.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AT
5/6/03
BRAME, CRYSTAL Gig Harbor Police Department Supplement Report
(GH030460.13) of obtaining voice mail message from CRYSTAL BRAME to
Dr. Knauss taken by Gig Harbor PD Detective Kelly Busey. BOOK
6
ADDENDUM AU
5/2/03
Gig Harbor Police Department
Gig Harbor Police Department Supplement Report (GH030460.12) of
statement from Nancy Otto taken by Gig Harbor PD Detective Kelly
Busey.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AU
5/1/03
Gig Harbor Police Department
Gig Harbor Police Department Supplement Report (GH030460.13) of
obtaining voice mail message from CRYSTAL BRAME to Dr. Knauss taken
by Gig Harbor PD Detective Kelly Busey.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AU
5/2/03
Otto, Nancy
Gig Harbor Police Department Supplement Report (GH030460.12) of
statement from Nancy Otto taken by Gig Harbor PD Detective Kelly
Busey.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AU
5/1/03
BRAME, CRYSTAL
Gig Harbor Police Department search warrant to obtain David BRAME's
medical records from the Gig Harbor and Fire Medic One, and to
obtain CRYSTAL BRAME's medical records.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AV
4/28/03
BRAME, David
Gig Harbor Police Department search warrant to obtain David BRAME's
medical records from the Gig Harbor and Fire Medic One, and to
obtain CRYSTAL BRAME's medical records.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AV
4/28/03
Gig Harbor Police Department
Gig Harbor Police Department search warrant to obtain David BRAME's
medical records from the Gig Harbor and Fire Medic One, and to
obtain CRYSTAL BRAME's medical records.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AV
4/28/03
BRAME, David A. Jr.
Haley C. BRAME's statement transcript (tape-recorded-tape not
provided to WSP) taken by Pierce County Sheriffs Department
Detective Serqeant Mike Portmann.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AW
4/26/03.
DOCUMENT INDEX 6
BRAME, Haley C. Y
Haley C. BRAME's statement transcript (tape-recorded-tape not
provided to WSP) taken by Pierce County Sheriffs Department
Detective Sergeant Mike Portmann.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AW
4/26/03
Pierce County Sheriffs Department
Haley C. BRAME's statement transcript (tape-recorded-tape not
provided to WSP) taken by Pierce County Sheriffs Department
Detective Sergeant Mike Portmann. _
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AW
4/26/03
Pierce County Sheriffs Department county
David A. BRAME Jr.'s statement transcript (tape-recorded-tape not
provided to WSP) taken by Pierce Sheriffs Department Detective
Sergeant Mike Portmann.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AX
4/26/03
BRAME, CRYSTAL
Documents received from CRYSTAL BRAME's purse; provided to WSP
investigators by CRYSTAL's parents Lane and Patty Judson.
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AY
4/1/03
BRAME, David
Article on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Internet article found in
David BRAME's briefcase)
BOOK 6 _
ADDENDUM AZ _
BRAME, David
Battered Men, Men's Personal Stories. (Internet Article found in
David BRAME's briefcase)
BOOK 6
ADDENDUM AZ
Ahrens, David
Typewritten notes (1 page)
BOOK 4
ADDENDUM B
Ahrens, Julie
Typewritten notes (3 pages)
BOOK 4
ADDENDUM B
BRAME, Beverly
Divorce declaration of Beverly BRAME, one copy with handwritten
notes.
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BA
4/20/03
BRAME, Dan
Divorce declaration of Dan BRAME.
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BA
4/20/03
BRAME, David
Copy of a page from David BRAME's Outlook Calendar, documenting a
possible Alpha page received by BRAME: "U better get your resume
ready your [sic] going to need it bye bye [66]"
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BA
BRAME, David
Divorce declaration of Christine Mountford, one copy with
handwritten notes.
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BA
4/20/03
BRAME, David
Handwritten notes by BRAME documenting conversations with Haley and
CRYSTAL
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BA
3/23 to 4-9/2003
BRAME, David
Handwritten notes By BRAME listing monthly expenses
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BA
BRAME, David _
Handwritten notes By BRAME regarding conversations with Haley and
David Jr.
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BA
4/2/03
BRAME, David
Handwritten notes written by BRAME regarding divorce issues.
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BA
BRAME, David
List of phone numbers for the BRAME family.
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BA
BRAME, David
Real Estate listing facts sheet.
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BA
BRAME, Eugene
Divorce declaration of Eugene BRAME Sr.
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BA
BRAME, Eugene Jr.
Divorce declaration of Eugene BRAME Jr.
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BA
4/20/03
BRAME, Eugene Sr.
Divorce declaration of Eugene BRAME Sr., with and without
handwritten corrections.
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BA
4/20/03
BRAME, Robin
Declaration of Robin BRAME.
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BA
4/20/03
Clostio, Heather
Clostio's declaration regarding Beverly BRAME. (Niece of David BRAME)
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BA
Mountford, Christine
Divorce Declaration of Christine Mountford, one copy with
handwritten notes.
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BA
4/20/03
Adams, Craig
Letter from Moran to Adams reference computer records & e-mail
retention and issue
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BB
6/5/03
Attorney General
Letter from Brian Moran to Captain Ursino reference public
disclosure requests to Tacoma.
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BB
5/21/03
Karr, Todd
Letter to Lamoreaux reference computer forensic services on David
BRAME's work laptop computer
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BB
5/5/03
Meinema, Charles
E-mail to Captain Brian Ursino from retired TPD Deputy Chief Charles
Meinema reference the death of Mike Darland.
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BB
5/14/03
Moran, Brian
Letter from Brian Moran to Captain Ursino reference public
disclosure requests to Tacoma
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BB
5/21/03
Moran, Brian
Letter from Moran to Adams reference computer records & e-mail
retention and issue
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BB
6/5/03
Orr, Tom _
Email from Orr reference BRAME and WOODARD's work computers
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BB
6/4/03
Serpas, Ronal
Letter to City Attorney JENKINSON, Walton, Baarsma, Ramsdell
reference investigation from WSP Chief Ronal Serpas.
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BB
5/9/03
Ursino, Brian
Email from Orr reference BRAME and WOODARD's work computers
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BB
6/4/03
Ursino, Brian
E-mail to Captain Brian Ursino from retired TPD Deputy Chief Charles
Meinema reference the death of Mike Darland.
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BB
5/14/03
Ursino, Brian
Letter from Brian Moran to Captain Ursino reference public
disclosure requests to Tacoma
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BB
5/21/03
New Horizons
General Information on New Horizons and Schedule of Future Events.
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BC
6/30/03
Ursino, Brian Phone log notes for May 2, 2003 of callers who
called to report information about Tacoma
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BD
5-2 to
5-5-03
Brown, Mary
E-mail from Brown to CORPUZ and JENKINSON - Ref City of Tacoma
hiring Herb Johnson as Police Chief
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BE
5/5/03
Brown, Mary
E-mail from Brown to CORPUZ and JENKINSON - Ref City of Tacoma
hiring Herb Johnson as Police Chief
BOOK 7
ADDENDUM BE
5/5/03
Cloud Writer
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION
Investigative Report
FILE TITLE City of Tacoma
DETECTIVE Sergeant Ken Wade
CASE NUMBER 03-004969
SUBJECT OTHER CASE
NUMBER [sic] Brent Lea Telephone Interview
SYNOPSIS:
On May 14, 2003, Washington State Patrol (WSP) Detective Sergeant
Ken Wade was told by Julie Ahrens, Crystal Brame's sister, that
David and Crystal Brame had met a couple from Canada while
vacationing in Palm Springs, California, at a resort named Desert
Shadows. Ahrens said she learned from Crystal, David Brame called
and asked this couple if they would participate in a "foursome."
David Brame's telephone records led detectives to the Canadian
couple, Mr. and Mrs. Brent Lea. On May 23, 2003, at 9:40 a.m., Wade
conducted a telephone interview with Brent Lea.
DETAILS:
On May 23, 2003, at 9:40 a.m., WSP Detective Sergeant Ken Wade
telephoned Brent Lea to discuss Lea's knowledge of David and Crystal
Brame. Lea said he met Crystal and David Brame in August of 2001, at
Desert Shadows Resort in Palm Springs, California. Lea described
Desert Shadows Resort as being a "clothing optional facility,"
frequented by nudists. Lea said David and Crystal told him it was
their first trip to Desert Shadows. Lea explained that Crystal was
unclothed, but covered by a towel. Lea said David was unclothed and
not covered by a towel. Lea said Crystal and David seemed like a
good couple. Lea described Crystal as being nice and very talkative,
while David was very quiet and not very social.
Lea explained he believed David and Crystal were from Seattle, but
did not know where he learned that information. Lea stated
arrangements were made with David and Crystal to meet at Desert
Shadows in October, 2001.
Lea stated David called him several times over the next few months.
Lea said during one of the calls in September of 2001, David asked
Lea if he and his wife would be interested in participating in
a "foursome." Lea explained he understood this to mean a sexual
relationship with David and Crystal. Lea said he declined the offer
and explained David told him he had never participated in
a "foursome" but was interested in the idea. Lea said he felt this
was out of character for David.
Lea said in October, 2001, he and his wife again met David and
Crystal at Desert Shadows. Lea stated David was warm and social at
that meeting and invited Lea and his wife to dinner. Lea said he
declined the offer and David turned very quiet and acted as though
he was preoccupied with work. Lea indicated he believed David was
being promoted to captain and felt that may have been the cause of
the distraction.
Lea stated that during October, 2002, he saw David and Crystal at
Desert Shadows and they appeared as though they had had an argument.
Lea said Crystal was sitting outside his room crying. Lea stated he
invited Crystal into his room where she explained she wanted to
leave the resort. Lea said Crystal discussed being abused and
controlled by David. Lea related Crystal told him she did not want
to go back to her room. Lea said that was the last contact he had
with David and Crystal.
brewdude
news:qbNAb.52315$_M.244763@attbi_s54:
Will do. Thanks
Cloud Writer
[WSP] Frmr Chief Fjetland Interview, Pt. 1 of 10, pages 1-6 of 62
[Part one of 10, pages 1-6 of 62]
Washington State Patrol
STATEMENT
Ray Fjetland
July 30, 2003
Case No.: 03-004969
Q = Detective Major C. Bambino A = Ray Fjetland
. This is the tape-recorded statement of Ray Fjetland. The date is
July 30th, 2003. The time now is 1416. I'm Detective Bambino of the
Washington State Patrol. This statement is being recorded at
Washington State Patrol District office in Tacoma, Washington.
There is one person present in the room besides myself and Mr.
Fjetland. For voice identification, would you please state your
name and occupation?
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: My name is Thomas P. Parr, P-a-r-r. And I'm a
special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Seattle
office.
. Okay. Ray, do you understand this statement is being tape-
recorded?
A I do.
. Could you please give me your full name and spell it?
A My full name is Raymond Arthur Fjetland, spelled F j-e-t-I-a-n-d.
. And your work address?
A My work address is the YMCA at Tacoma/Pierce County Metropolitan
office, 1002 South Pearl Street, Tacoma, Washington 98465.
. And a work phone number?
A Work phone number is __________.
. And your date of birth?
A My date of birth is __________.
. Okay. I'll let Tom go ahead and start with the interview here and
let him kind of go through and -- SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Could we get
a Social Security number too?
A___________ Repeating,
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Okay. Chief Fjetland, why don't we just start
off with you speaking to us about your career. When you started the
force, what various positions you held and when you became Chief of
Police and how long you were Chief of Police.
A I started my law enforcement career in 1970 with the Colfax
Police Department. I was then appointed sheriff in 1973 to the
Whitman County Sheriffs Department. Uh, reelected in '76. Uh, 1980,
I was appointed under sheriff of Pierce County. In 1984, I was
appointed Sheriff of Pierce County. 1988, I was appointed Chief of
Police of the City of Tacoma. And in 1996, January of '96, uh, I
retired.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Thank you. During your period as Chief of Police
of Tacoma, Washington, did you have occasion to have contact with
_________ an officer by the name of Brame, David Brame? David Alan
Brame, ___________specifically, I guess?
A I know a David Brame.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm. Can you tell me what you remember about
Mr. Brame, please.
A I knew his brother Danny Brame. I had appointed him as a Deputy
Sheriff in Pierce County. And I knew th- -- uh, uh, his older
brother Gene Brame, who's a detective on the Tacoma Police
Department, through a program, a mutual program called CrimeStoppers
which Pierce County and Tacoma both have. So I knew the two of them.
Uh, when I came to Tacoma, probably in some roll call, an officer
would have identified himself as Dave Brame and told me he was the
brother of Danny and Gene.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A And I would have just gave him a courtesy.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A I didn't have anything to do with him until an accusation came
in, um, in '88, '89 --
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A -- of an alleged sexual assault.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Okay. Why don't you tell us about the facts and
circumstances surrounding that.
A Uh, it was presented to me by our Internal Affairs investigation
that a complaint had been lodged against him and that they were
performing an investigation. After a period of time, the report
would have been presented to me. By then, I believe, the Internal
Affairs commander -- I think they were lieutenants.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A A lieutenant, uh, Dave Olsen -- and Dave retired as captain --
and Ron Hill,
Detective Ron Hill.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A They would have given me a completed investigation on the matter.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A I would have sat down then with them, had them explain it to me.
And as I
recall, a woman -- a person known to, uh, police officer Brame, who
at that
time was a school liaison officer, working in civilian clothes
assigned to the
school districts, working closely with Remann Hall authorities had,
um, a
relationship with a juvenile counselor or something to do with
juvenile -- with
Remann Hall -- specialist staff member at Remann Hall.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A It had, uh, been a friendly, uh, encounter over a date, uh, or a
relationship, as I
recall. Urn, she said that, uh, in the course of them kissing and,
uh, basically,
embracing, uh, he assaulted her by carrying the, the, um, um, the
petting to,
um, sexual consummation, rape, uh, sex against her will.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A Um, and then she presented that to us as a sex assault case. But
it wasn't
presented to us as a rape. It came to us later as, um, a sexual
assault, misconduct by a police officer.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A Urn, the basic template is, is what the -- what would have
happened -- and I'm,
I'm a little sketchy on, on this particular incident, but if it --
if it had been a rape,
she would have reported it to a police agency or to LESA, our, our
centralized
system --
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A -- they would have referred her to the agency that the crime
occurred in and
they would have investigated it. It would have been -- got a case
number,
something -- some sort of permanent identification logged in on
that. If she'd
come directly to a police agency, again, it would have referred back
to, uh, a
police agency of that jurisdiction. Uh, for some reason, I re- -- it
was not a
police investigation. And I don't re- -- exactly remember why. I
remember it
coming forward as a -- as a police officer misconduct.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Do you recall Lieutenant Olsen talking
that the victim did not want to prosecute the case?
A I remember, um, as I reviewed the case, uh, he kind of related --
would have
related all the details of it, saying that he could not determine,
based on the
information he had at the time, if the, uh -- if the crime occurred.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A Uh, he didn't -- he couldn't tell me if it did or if it didn't.
But there was sex.
Both admitted that there was sexual, uh, uh, contact -- consummation.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: There was a disagreement over
whether it was consensual or not?
A Correct. Uh, Dave, Dave would have told me then -- um, um, as I
recall, I said,
"now what do I do?" Basically, um, as we were talking it over, he
said, "what
she wants is help for him," as I remember it. Uh, he felt that she
was a very
credible witness --
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A -- and for some reason, uh, what lodges in my mind is she came
forward with a -- and I forget -- and I don't know who, a, a
roommate or a boyfriend or something. And she seemed, uh, supported
and rational and wanted help for him. As I recall it, he had been,
uh --just had gone through a divorce and was having issues with it.
And she felt concerned for him as a police officer working with
youth --
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A -- and this assaulting situation. But it, um -- and in the back
of my mind, or as I recall it, she wanted help for him in some way.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm. Counseling or --
A Counseling -- it, it was some sort of help -- some sort of
professional help. And in discussing with Dave, I said, "I have a,
um, um, like an unsubstantiated or unsustained" -- I forget the
term.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: "Unsustained" was the word.
A Unsustained was -- exactly. Was what it was found. Which just
basically said that we can't prove it one way or another. And so
not being able to prove it one way or another and having a, a
serious situation, I, I, um, called the officer in and went over
the, the investigation -- that we couldn't prove it one way or the
other. But this is certainly got to be a traumatic incident to you b-
-- having these accusations against you and, uh, it'd be a good
idea for you to have a psychological evaluation and checkup.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A I think I tried to couch it in a way to invite him into it 'cause
he could have refused it. There was no way for me to order him --
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A -- on a sustained complaint to, uh, have a psychological. I
couldn't find a job-related hook there.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A Because he admitted he had sex with her. He said it was
consensual.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A Uh, he did take the psychological and it came back that he was
fit for duty. Uh, were- -- relayed that to her -- SPECIAL AGENT
PARR: Um-hmm.
4 -- um, and then basically, um, monitored him to see about what
his situation was. And don't recall, you know, we didn't put him on
six-month probation reports or anything like that. We w---- even
though we were 300 commissioned officers, we were a small
department and when you break it down to our staff, we knew who --
what people were doing.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A Urn, monitored him and, and I can't recall having any further
contact with him. He was a smart guy, did good work, came out of --
uh, I don't know if we pulled him out because of this and put him
back in patrol a- -- as another step --
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A or he just rotated back into patrol. But then later, um, promoted
him to sergeant. I don't think I had anything to do with him until
he made sergeant.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A I would have sent some sort of evaluation of him.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A Uh, and we have, at that time called the rule of three. The cand-
-- three candidates were presented to me and at that time Tacoma
was using the rule of one.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A And the candidate on the first list was promoted. I was the first
to reinstall the rule of three.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A But I did it in a way that I wouldn't pick number two or number
three unless I could tell number one the reason that I was passing
over him or her.
SPECIAL AGENT PARR: Um-hmm.
A I had to be able to sit down with that person and say, "I'm gonna
take number two because I think, um, based on his career and based
upon the needs of a maj -- of needing an experienced sergeant" --
Cloud Writer
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION
and converted to text]
Investigative Report
WASHINGTON STATE PATROL
FILE TITLE: City of Tacoma
DETECTIVE: Sergeant John Anderson
CASE NUMBER: 03-004969
SUBJECT: In-Person Interview (Chief James Knutsen, Retired)
OTHER CASE NUMBER
SYNOPSIS:
On Thursday, July 10, 2003, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special
Agent Thomas Parr of the Seattle Office and Washington State Patrol
Detective Sergeant John Anderson interviewed retired Tacoma Police
Department Assistant Chief James Knutsen. Knutsen spoke about his
tenure with the Tacoma Police Department, his position as Captain in
the Training Section responsible for the hiring of new police
recruits, the hiring of David Brame and Brame's subsequent career
with the Tacoma Police Department, including the rape allegation,
Brame's union activity, chief selection process, allegation of Brame
involved in sex with a prostitute, and sexual issues with the
Assistant City Attorney Pat Parfitt, Lieutenant Karen Kelly,
Lieutenant Barb Justice, and Assistant City Manager Jim Walton.
Knutsen also had information about Gene Brame Jr.'s gunshot wound.
DETAILS:
On July 10, 2003, at 9:30 a.m., Federal Bureau of Investigation
Special Agent Thomas Parr and Washington State Patrol Detective
Sergeant John Anderson interviewed Retired Tacoma Police Assistant
Chief James Knutsen. The interviewed was conducted at the Washington
State Patrol Tacoma District office.
Knutsen stated he was a Captain in the Tacoma Police Department
(TPD), assigned to the training section when David Brame applied for
employment as a police officer in 1981. Knutsen explained the
Training Section was responsible for hiring new police officers.
Knutsen stated TPD Sergeant Jim Richburg did the background
investigation on David Brame.
Knutsen said he thought internal turmoil in the department may have
contributed to Brame being hired. Knutsen explained the Tacoma
Police Department had just lost a civil lawsuit in 1981. Knutsen
stated Chief William Perrett had left the department as a result of
the legal finding against the department. Knutsen added then
Assistant Chief Richard Amundsen was appointed to the Chiefs office.
Knutsen explained as a result of the personnel moves within the
command structure resulting from Amundsen's appointment, he was
transferred from the Training Section to the Patrol Section and Ron
Gilmore was appointed to Knutsen's vacant Captain position in the
training
Page 1 of 5 Officer's Signature _______________________ Date
10/16/03
Supervisor's Signature_____________________ Date_________
City of Tacoma Sergeant John Anderson
03-004969
Investigative Report Case Number: 03-004969 Sergeant Anderson
Page 2
section. Knutsen further explained Gilmore was a close friend and ex-
patrol partner of David Brame's father, retired Tacoma Police
Detective Sergeant Gene Brame Sr.
Knutsen stated David Brame had failed his first psychological exam
given by Dr. Steven Sutherland. Knutsen said he considered
Sutherland a superb psychologist whose accuracy concerning potential
recruits psychological makeup had been proven in the past. Knutsen
remembered a concern of Training Section personnel about David
Brame's lack of work history. Knutsen said David Brame was given a
second psychological exam by Dr. Shaw at about the same time Knutsen
transferred from the Training Section to the Patrol Section. Knutsen
stated he never saw the results of the second psychological test for
David Brame prior to Brame being hired. Knutsen added he had since
seen the results of the second test and in his opinion, Brame failed
that test as well. Knutsen explained about a discussion he had with
retired Chief Amundsen regarding David Brame's hiring. According to
Knutsen, Amundsen had told him at the time David Brame was given his
letter offering him a police officer position, Amundsen was in
Canada. Knutsen explained Amundsen told the investigators from the
Washington Association of Sheriffs-and Police Chiefs the signature
on David Brame's hiring letter was his, since he considered himself
responsible for all hiring. Knutsen added Amundsen later explained
the signature was done with Amundsen's signature stamp. Knutsen
added this was not a common practice and Amundsen told him he may
have authorized the use of his signature stamp in his absence.
Knutsen explained his knowledge of the 1988 rape allegation
involving David Brame. Knutsen said the Tacoma Police Chief at the
time of the allegation was Ray Fjetland. Knutsen added Fjetland had
recently taken the Chiefs position after serving as the Pierce
County Under Sheriff. Knutsen said he thought Fjetland chose to keep
the rape investigation within the agency because Fjetland knew the
Pierce County Sheriffs Office was understaffed with detectives while
the Tacoma Police Department had an abundance of detectives. Knutsen
said Fjetland had stated he felt there were problems with the
allegation stemming from the 13 months that had passed since the
incident; the lack of physical evidence, the allegation was a "he
said versus she said," and the victim's reluctance to press charges
against Brame. According to Knutsen, Fjetland was a born again
Christian. Knutsen said Brame professed to be a born again Christian
as well. Knutsen added he thought Fjetland actually counseled David
Brame regarding the rape allegation based on their mutual religious
faith. Knutsen said Fjetland asked Brame if he would take a
polygraph test and Brame told Fjetland he would consider it. Knutsen
explained to the best of his knowledge, the polygraph was never
administered to Brame. According to Knutsen, David Brame confessed
the rape to his partner at the time, Police Officer Reggie Roberts.
Knutsen explained while the internal investigative report of the
rape allegation had been destroyed, the clerical assistant who typed
the report still worked for the Tacoma Police Department. Knutsen
identified the assistant as Sandy Hansen, now Sandy Young, as she
had since married. Knutsen further explained Hansen had just started
in the department and would most likely remember the report.
According to Knutsen, then Assistant Chief Tom Strock who had
administrative oversight of the Internal Affairs Unit, excused
himself from the review and findings of the investigation two weeks
before it was finished. Knutsen added that happened
Investigative Report Case Number: 03-004969 Sergeant Anderson
Page 3
because Strock's wife worked with the rape victim. According to
Knutsen, Strock thought Brame was guilty and felt the investigation
had provided enough information to fire Brame. Knutsen said he
thought that shortly after the investigation was concluded, Brame
became the Vice President of the union representing the rank and
file of the department. Knutsen explained the primary role of the
Vice President of the union is negotiation and that one of the first
items negotiated was the reduction in the records retention
schedule. Knutsen added the IA records retention schedule was
reduced from three years to two years.
Knutsen spoke about the selection process in which Brame was
promoted to the Tacoma Chief of Police. Knutsen characterized Brame
as a schemer. According to Knutsen, Brame knew the best qualified
candidate within the Tacoma Police Department was Michael Darland.
Knutsen said it was well known that Brame could not compete with
Darland based on their accomplishments within the department.
Knutsen explained Brame's advisor at the University of Puget Sound
was William Baarsma.' According to Knutsen, prior to the selection
process for the vacant Chief s position, Baarsma successfully added
a requirement for a four year college degree to the necessary
minimum qualifications. Knutsen said he thought this was a result of
Brame politicking with Baarsma, and was done because Darland did not
have a four year college degree and Brame saw this as the way to
eliminate Darland from the selection process. Knutsen further
explained when Baarsma was elected Mayor, he was done so with strong
support from the Retired Tacoma Police Officers Association and
Brame's father, Gene Brame Sr. was a highly active member of the
association. Knutsen stated Brame made it clear to Catherine
Woodard, if she sought the Chiefs job and lost to him, Brame would
retaliate against her. Knutsen added Brame also told Woodard if he
was unsuccessful in his bid for the Chiefs position and she got it,
he would do everything he could to undermine her. To support this
information, Knutsen explained Assistant Chief Ray Roberts retired
rather than face demotion by Brame after Brame was appointed Chief.
Knutsen stated Roberts had been a candidate for the Chiefs position
and after Brame got the position, Brame told Roberts he was being
demoted to Captain. Knutsen explained when Roberts asked Brame why
he was being demoted, Brame replied to Roberts "because I can."
Knutsen said rather than face the demotion and loss of wages in
retirement, Roberts retired from the police department. Knutsen said
when Brame was first promoted to Captain, he contacted Roberts who
was a lieutenant working under Brame. According to Knutsen, Roberts
was also in line to be promoted to Captain. Knutsen said Brame asked
Roberts during a conversation if Roberts was going to be part of
Brame's team because he intended to take care of those who supported
him as well as those who did not support him. Knutsen added Roberts
told Brame as he still had three weeks to go before he too was
promoted to Captain, he would support Brame and do nothing to
embarrass him, that he had always supported his superiors and would
continue to do so. Knutsen said when Roberts pointed out to Brame
they would both be Captains soon, Brame became angry and stomped
away.
' Baarsma is the current Mayor of Tacoma.
Investigative Report Case Number: 03-004969 Sergeant Anderson
Page 4
Knutsen provided background on what he thought was the source of
information regarding Brame and a prostitute allegedly having sex on
video tape. Knutsen said he believed the rumor was being spread by
Lieutenant Joe Kirby and Captain Charles Meinema. According to
Knutsen Lieutenant Bob Ruiz was a close friend of Brame's and Ruiz
kept an apartment in the Gig Harbor area.
Knutsen talked about Assistant Tacoma City Attorney Pat Parfitt who
had failed an FBI background investigation. According to Knutsen,
Parfitt failed based on answers related to drug usage. Knutsen said
Parfitt related information during her background investigation that
identified two current Tacoma Police Department Lieutenants, and
as being present at hot tub parties involving sex and illegal drug
usage. Knutsen identified other Tacoma Police Department command
staff who were given this information as Chief Phillips, Assistant
Chief Strock, Duane Ottgen and Al Friedel. According to Knutsen,
Parfitt has since married and her last name is now Boseman. Knutsen
said Boseman is now the City Attorney for the City of Sumner.
Knutsen spoke about the lawsuit brought against the Tacoma Police
Department in the early 1980's by Police Officer Leona Ellis.
According to Knutsen, Leona Ellis had spoke about finding ______
and having sex in the living room of the house Ellis shared with _______.
Knutsen also stated Ellis had compiled a list of 35 Tacoma Police
Officers she had sex with for the Tacoma City Attorney's Office.
Knutsen passed on information on an allegation regarding Brame's
older brother, Gene Brame Jr. who is a retired Tacoma Police
Sergeant. According to Knutsen, Gene Brame Jr. claimed to have been
accidentally shot in a hunting accident when in fact, the gunshot
wound was incurred during a domestic violence incident. Knudsen said
he thought David Brame was the Captain or Chief in charge of
detectives at the time and covered up the shooting.
Knutsen could not provide any information on the social club New
Horizons or who from the Tacoma Police Department may be members.
Knutsen said he had been told by Assistant Chief Mike Darland of
wife swapping parties involving Brame and his associates. According
to Knutsen, Assistant Chief Catherine Woodard was known to always
have a lover on the side. Knutsen said Woodard was originally
married to Assistant City Attorney Kyle Crews. Knutsen added the
Seattle Police Department had numerous encounters with Kyle Crews in
clubs in Seattle. Knutsen added Woodard had a well known affair with
Tacoma Police Officer _________.
Knutsen stated he counseled Woodard once regarding sexual contact
she had with in her office where. _____ had his hand under Woodard's
dress. Knutsen provided information about a well known fight between
Woodard and Tacoma police officer Denise Cheslick. According to
Knutsen, the fight occurred outside a roll call session and was
about Woodard's jealously of Cheslick's sexual involvement with ______.
Knutsen added information about an incident involving Keiffer
shooting at what he thought was a burglar. According to Knutsen,
Keiffer had been working graveyard and was sleeping at home during
the day while still married to his first wife. Knutsen said Keiffer
awoke and saw a silhouette of a person in the room where he was
sleeping. Knutsen said Keiffer thought there
Investigative Report Case Number: 03-004969 Sergeant Anderson
Page 5
was a burglar in his room and shot at and missed the figure who
turned out to be Keiffer's wife. Knutsen said Keiffer eventually
divorced his wife and married Cheslick.
Knutsen said he heard about Woodard speaking in front of roll calls
immediately following Brame's suicide. According to Knutsen, Woodard
stated to the first roll call, everyone knew she and Brame were
having an affair at which point she stopped and corrected herself,
saying everybody knew about the rumor she and Brame were having an
affair. Knutsen explain Woodard went to great lengths to deny she
and Brame were having an affair. Knutsen further added Mike
Darland's son, TPD Police Officer Sean Darland, had been told by a
co-worker who had seen Brame and Woodard shopping for furniture
together.
Knutsen was asked about the possibility cheating occurred on the
Tacoma Police Department's Lieutenants exam. Knutsen explained at
one time all testing was developed and administered by the Tacoma
City Human Resources Office and that under Brame, the police
department began formulating their own test questions and testing
process. Knudsen pointed out if cheating was to occur, this would
provide the opportunity for officers with access to test questions
to pass on those questions to officers they favored. Knutsen had no
information on specific officers cheating on exams.
Knutsen said he was aware Sergeant Stan Mowre retired from the
Tacoma Police Department in the mid 1990's, rather than face
termination as a result of a sexual harassment complaint. According
to Knutsen, Police Officer Wendy Harper claimed Mowre forced her to
have sex with him while she was a probationary officer. Knutsen
stated Harper claimed Mowre had extorted sex from every female
probationary officer under his command as a condition of successful
completion of their probationary service. According to Knutsen,
Harper claimed Mowre was sending her sexually explicit email.
Knutsen explained when Mowre was faced with the accusation from
Harper and the resulting Internal Affairs investigation, Mowre asked
investigators if they thought he was so dumb as to not erase his
emails. Knutsen added when investigators pointed out to Mowre the
erased email still existed on the computer hard drive, Mowre left
the office and submitted his retirement papers the next day.
Cloud Writer
Haley's 18 page interview:
From the Pierce County Sheriff's interview of Crystal and David
Brame Sr.'s daughter on the day of the shooting... (Statement of
HALEY C. BRAME Case Number 03-116-0745)
89-045
PIERCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
STATE OF WASHINGTON
County of Pierce
Case Number 03-116-0745
Date 04/26/03
Beginning Time 2146 Hours
Ending Time 2225 Hours
Location Harborview Medical Center
Interviewer CORNELIA THOMAS
Name of Subject HALEY C. BRAME
Date of Birth 12/24/94
Observers: D/Sgt. PORTMANN (PCSD) and JOE LOMBINO (Family Attorney)
Q Hi, Haley, come on in and talk to me. My name is Cornelia, have a
seat. My name's Cornelia Thomas and I work downtown in Tacoma ...
A Um-hm.
A Um-hm.
Q and I'm just here to talk to you and ask you some questions a
little bit today. Okay. And let's see, the time now is 9:46 P.M. and
the date is April the 26th and the year is 2003.
And I'm talking to Haley, what's your name?
A Haley Brame.
Q Okay, what's your middle name?
A Crystal.
A Okay.
Q Crystal, okay, that's a pretty name. I'm also gonna be taping our
conversation, I'm gonna ask you to speak up just a little bit so
my. . .
Okay. Very good. And, let's see, what I'm gonna do first, Haley, is
I'm just gonna ask you some questions to kinda get to know you a
little better.
A Okay.
Q Okay. So now, Haley Crystal Brame. Yes. (Haley nods.) How old are
you, Haley?
Page 2 of 18 Statement of HALEY C. BRAME Case Number 03-116-0745
A Eight.
Q All right. When's your birthday?
A December 24`h, 1994.
Q You're a Christmas Eve baby.
A Um-hm.
Q All right. A Yeah.
Q Do you like that? A Yeah.
Q Okay. So, let's see, are you in school?
A Yes.
Q Tell me what school you go to.
A I go to Discovery Elementary.
Q And where's that at?
A In Gig Harbor.
Q Do you like school, Haley?
A Yeah.
Q And what grade are you in there?
A Second.
A Marcie and Linda.
Q What's your teacher's name?
Q Marcilina?
Page 3 of 18 Statement of HALEY C. BRAME Case Number 03-116-
0745
A Marcie, Marcie and Linda.
Oh, oh. Oh, you have, do you have two teachers?
A Yeah.
Q Oh, okay, I get it. Marcie and Linda are your teachers, is
that right?
A Um-hm.
Q And where did you go when you were in first grade?
A I went into the same class and the same teacher.
Q Oh, that's cool. Tell me what you like about school.
A I like to go to school is when I, the theme time.
Q What's it call ...
A Theme.
Q Theme time.
A Theme time. We get to do science.
Q That sounds like fun, do you like science?
A Um-hm.
Q Is there anything about school that you don't like?
A No.
A Yeah, it's, I do celebrate my, I mean Christmas at my house.
Q Tell me something you got for Christmas last year.
A I got, actually I was at my grandma's house last year. I got a,
slippers and a computer.
Q Well, that's actually a good thing, I'm glad to hear that you like
school. Do you celebrate Christmas at your house?
A A play computer. And ...
Q Tell me one more thing.
A I also got a, like a Barbie doll. Barbies.
Q Do you like Barbie dolls?
A Yeah.
Q Yeah. That's pretty cool. How old are you again, 8?
A Eight.
Q I'm gonna ask you some different kinda questions. Okay.
Let's see, is it okay to tell the truth?
A Yes.
Q Yeah. Okay. Is it okay to tell a lie?
A No.
Q And what's better, a truth or a lie?
A The truth.
Q And tell me what the reason is that it's not okay to tell a
lie.
A Because then if you didn't tell the truth, then ...
Q It's okay if you can't think of anything. But it's, but you say
it's better to tell the truth than to lie, is that right?
A Um-hm.
A Okay.
Q - It's really important that everything we talk about today
be the truth. A Okay.
Q Well, I'm gonna ask you some different kinda questions, Haley.
Q Can you promise to tell me the truth? You're nodding your head so
I'm gonna take that as a yes. Some of the things I ask you today
might be kind of hard to talk about, but it's my job to kind of
understand what happened. Okay. So I need you to tell me what
happened earlier today and ...
A Okay.
Q I want you to use your own words and take your time.
A Okay.
Q Tell me what you know.
A Today my dad said he saw my mom and he said, wait, . .
Q Okay, you have to speak up just a little bit. . .
A Okay.
Q for, okay.
A Just wait a minute and he saw my mom and then he went like this to
her (Haley demonstrated a push or shove back into the car) and he
kinda pushed her into the car and then he, I, I didn't, I didn't see
him with a gun, but he, I know he shot her cause I could see blood
all over her and blood all over him. And after that happened like
three ladies came over and they helped me and I went into the store
and they helped me for a little bit and then I told them my mom's
phone number. I mean my grandma's phone number and my grandma and my
grandpa and my aunt and uncle came.
A We were at, we were gonna go to Rite Aid and we spotted her in her
car.
A I, Dad spotted her in the car and then he got out and he parked
the car and, well, me and Little David were gonna get out of the car
to see what was going on and then there was a car backing out so we
didn't wanna go out in the street so then we went out after the car
was gone and I saw blood all over it then and, and then I saw my mom
laying on the ground and she was breathing, not talking, she, her
eyes were closed.
Q I'm gonna ask you some questions about this. I wanna start from
the beginning so where were you at when. your dad saw your mom?
Q And were you guys in a car, were you walking outside, where were
you when you spotted her?
Q Tell me who was all in the car with you before your dad parked the
car.
[end of part one]
Kevin Phelch
> Here is just the beginning of Crystal and David Brame's daughter
> Haley's 18 page interview:
>
> From the Pierce County Sheriff's interview of Crystal and David
> Brame Sr.'s daughter on the day of the shooting... (Statement of
> HALEY C. BRAME Case Number 03-116-0745)
>
> 89-045
> PIERCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
> STATE OF WASHINGTON
> County of Pierce
>
> Case Number 03-116-0745
> Date 04/26/03
> Beginning Time 2146 Hours
> Ending Time 2225 Hours
> Location Harborview Medical Center
> Interviewer CORNELIA THOMAS
Cloud you're the greatest. You postings here are the only sanity here
in a sea of idiots.
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WASHINGTON STATE PATROL
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION Investigative Report
FILE TITLE City of Tacoma
DETECTIVE Major C. Bambino
CASE NUMBER 03-OO4969
SUBJECT Woodard's Knowledge of TPD Officers Following Crystal Brame
SYNOPSIS:
It is alleged Tacoma Police Department Assistant Chief Catherine
Wbodard had knowledge that TPD Chief David Brame had TPD officers
following Crystal Brame.1
DETAILS:
Washington State Patrol (WSP) detectives conducted numerous
interviews including TPD Administrative Assistant Jeanette
Blackwell, TPD Officer Valencia Brooks, TPD Detective Barry
McColeman, and TPD Lieutenant Joseph Kirby.
Jeanette Blackwell stated in her interview of May 29,2003, that
Brame made a comment to her one day that he should have someone
check Crystal out.2 According to Blackwell, Brame did not say who
he might have check Crystal out or follow Crystal.
Valencia Brooks said in her statement she heard rumors David Brame
might have had other TPD officers follow Crystal Brame to monitor
her activities.3 Brooks stated she did not know specifics, but
explained she had heard that Detective Jeff Shipp and Lieutenant
Bob Sheehan either knew about Brame having Crystal followed, or had
actually followed Crystal.
Barry McColeman stated in his interview he had not heard any rumors
about David Brame having TPD officers follow Crystal Brame.4
According to McColeman, Brame told him that sometime in 1997 or
1998, Brame and TPD Captain William Meeks were driving in Tacoma
and were approximately one block from the City/County Building when
Brame saw Crystal's car parked in the parking lot of an attorney
Gene Goodress' office.
McColeman said Brame told Meeks to stop and Brame went into the
attorney's office. McColeman added Brame told him, "I really
shocked her," and Crystal asked Brame, "what are you doing here?"
According to McColeman, Brame said Crystal told him, "I need to
talk to the attorney." McColeman stated Brame and Crystal became
involved in a verbal argument.
According to McColeman, Crystal was at the attorney's office
because she wanted to know if there was a way to get more money
from Brame without divorcing him, and explained Crystal was
exploring the possibility of divorcing Brame at that time.
McColeman said Brame felt as if he had really gotten Crystal
because he had caught her at the attorney's office. McColeman
stated Brame did not say he and Meeks were following Crystal, but
that, "we (Brame and Meeks) were driving by and saw the car
(Crystal's)."
Joseph Kirby stated it was rumored TPD Lieutenant Bob Ruiz was the
officer David Brame had follow Crystal.5 Kirby stated it was also
rumored Ruiz used his motorhome to conduct the surveillance of
Crystal. Kirby said TPD Detective Barry McColeman was a close
friend of Brame's and would do anything Brame asked of him. Kirby
explained McColeman had worked in Tacoma's narcotics unit and was
responsible for, and highly trained in, the use of TPD's
surveillance equipment. Kirby explained he had been assigned to
narcotics and was familiar with the type of equipment Tacoma
utilized. Kirby said TPD had state-of-the-art equipment that could
record and transmit audio signals and explained how some of this
equipment operated.
None of the information provided to WSP detectives indicated
Woodard had knowledge that David Brame had TPD officers follow
Crystal Brame.
CONCLUSION:
There is no evidence or documentation to indicate criminal
misconduct occurred.
1 Refer to ISB Book, Hulteen's investigative report on Woodard.
2 Refer to ISB Book, Sergeant Haw's investigative report on
Blackwell, and Blackwell's May 29,2003, statement; page 39, lines
16-30, and page 40, lines 1-4.
3 Refer to ISB Book, Haw's investigative report on Brooks, and
Brook's June 17,2003, statement; page 41, lines 2-11.
4 Refer to ISB Book, Anderson's investigative report on McColeman
and McColeman's May 30,2003, statement; pages 51, lines 16-30, and
page 52, lines 1-20.
5 Refer to ISB Book, Wade's investigative report on Kirby (not
tape-recorded conversation).
Officer's Signature_______________________________Date
Supervisor's Signature____________________________Date
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================================================================
TPD WOODARD ALLEGATIONS LIST B00K 15 PAGE 51
[WSP] WASHINGTON STATE PATROL INVESTIGATION
================================================================
City of Tacoma - Administrative Allegations List - Table of
Contents (Woodard)
1. It was alleged Tacoma Police Department (TPD) Assistant Chief
Catherine Woodard had knowledge of a "no arrest zone" regarding Tacoma
City Manger Ray Corpuz' son Dito. According to several Tacoma Police
Officers, including Officer Reggie Roberts, Dito Corpuz was not to be
arrested or contacted within the area immediately surrounding his
father's house
2. It was alleged by Lane and Patty Judson that on the evening of
April 11,2003, Tacoma Police Department (TPD) Assistant Chief Catherine
Woodard entered the gated community of Canterwood, in Gig Harbor,
Washington, under false pretences, or by color of law.
3. It was alleged that on the evening of March 31, 2003, at 7:45 p.m.,
Tacoma Police Department (TPD) Assistant Chief Catherine Woodard
telephoned Crystal Brame and attempted to interfere, through
intimidation, with the legal divorce proceedings involving David and
Crystal Brame.
4. Patty and Lane Judson alleged Tacoma Police Department (TPD)
Assistant Chief Catherine Woodard had been following TPD Chief David
Brame on April 26,2003, because she arrived at the shooting scene prior
to Lane and Patty Judson.
5. It was alleged Tacoma Police Department (TPD) Assistant Chief
Catherine Woodard had knowledge of sex parties that happened for
promotional consideration within TPD. A Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI) source stated that in the past, a candidate for promotion to
sergeant was told his promotion was contingent upon his wife
participating in sex with TPD command staff.
6. It was alleged Tacoma Police Department (TPD) Acting Chief
Catherine C. Woodard had knowledge of domestic violence incidents
between David and Crystal Brame. Washington State Patrol (WSP)
detectives assigned to the David Brame investigation received a copy of
a letter which had been sent by "Concerned TPD officers" to TPD's
Internal Affairs Unit. Investigators also received copies of written
documentation, allegedly composed by Woodard which indicated Crystal
had conveyed to Woodard that David Brame had made death threats to
Crystal.
7. It was alleged Tacoma Police Department (TPD) Assistant Chief
Catherine Woodard had knowledge that TPD Chief David Brame had TPD
officers following Crystal Brame.
8. Retired Tacoma Police Department Chief Ray Fjetland alleged in his
interview, he had heard through retired TPD Chief James Knutsen, that
TPD Assistant Chief Catherine Woodard had sexual relations with Chief
David Brame. Retired TPD Chief James Knutsen alleged Woodard had sexual
relations with another TPD officer, Dennis Keiffer.
9. It was alleged by Patty Judson and Lane Judson that Tacoma Police
Department (TPD) Assistant Chief Catherine Woodard entered TPD Chief
David Brames apartment after his death without permission from the
estate.
10. It was alleged Tacoma Police Department (TPD) Acting Chief
Catherine Woodard may have removed and/or shredded documents from TPD
Chief David Brame's office after she was placed on administrative leave
by City Manager Ray Corpuz.
11. It is alleged Tacoma Police Department (TPD) Assistant Chief
Catherine Woodard had knowledge of on-going sexual harassment by TPD
Chief David Brame
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Woodard's knowledge of Sex for Promotion Allegation
B00K 15 PAGE 51
================================================================
WASHINGTON STATE PATROL [WSP]
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION
Investigative Report
FILE TITLE City of Tacoma
DETECTIVE Major Bambino
CASE NUMBER 03-004969
SUBJECT Woodard's knowledge of Sex for Promotion Allegation
_______________________________
SYNOPSIS:
It is alleged Tacoma Police Department (TPD) Assistant Chief Catherine
Woodard had knowledge of sex parties that happened for promotional
consideration within TPD. A Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
source stated that in the past, a candidate for promotion to sergeant
was told his promotion was contingent upon his wife participating in
sex with TPD command staff.
DETAILS:
On July 14,2003, Washington State Patrol (WSP) Detective Sergeant John
Anderson, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent
Thomas Parr of the Seattle office interviewed retired TPD Sergeant
Robert C. Roher. Parr told Roher the FBI had an source of information
who said Roher had been at a party when he was directed to contact
people upstairs if he wanted to get promoted. According to the source,
when Roher went upstairs he found two senior police officials. The
source indicated the wives of the two officials were also there and
were undressed. The source explained Roher was told by the officials,
if he wanted to get promoted he would have to "put his wife in the
pot."
According to Roher, when he was a rookie policeman and was at the
Tacoma Policeman's Ball, he had been drinking with a buddy of his, Dave
Moore, and made a bet with two other TPD officers named Legge and
Ferguson. Roher said Legge and Ferguson had a room upstairs and when
Roher went up there to drink with them, he found both officers
partially disrobed. Roher stated there was no connection between sex
parties and his promotion to Sergeant.1
On July 10,2003, retired TPD Chief James Knutsen said in his interview
he had been told by retired TPD Assistant Chief Mike Darland of wife
swapping parties involving Brame and his associates.2
WSP detectives learned through their investigation the allegation
Woodard was having sexual relations with David Brame was speculation.
There was no evidence of Woodard's promotions being contingent upon the
exchange of sexual favors. Woodard stated during the first turnout
after the shootings on April 26,2003, that she and Brame did not have
an affair.3 Woodard was interviewed on August 13,2003 and again on
August 20,2003. During her interview, Woodard said she had never had
sexual relations with Brame and was not his type. Woodard also
commented she was not aware of any promotions based on involvement in
sex parties, or the giving of sexual favors.
1 Refer to ISB Book, Sergeant Anderson's report on Roher's interview.
2 Refer to ISB Book, Sergeant Anderson's report on Knutsen's interview,
Page 4.
Officer's Signature_____________________________ Date
Supervisor's Signature__________________________ Date
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STATE OF WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON STATE PATROL
General Administration Building
PO Box 42600
Olympia, WA 98504-2600
(360) 753-S540
January 8, 2004
Mr. James Walton, City Manager
City of Tacoma
747 Market Street
TacomaWA 98402
Dear Mr. Walton:
For the past several weeks Washington State Patrol (WSP) Internal
Affairs investigators have been working with representatives from the
City of Tacoma (COT) to develop-the parameters of an administrative
investigation to be conducted into various allegations concerning
employees of the COT, to include members of the Tacoma Police
Department (TPD). These allegations were exposed during an earlier
criminal investigation that the WSP conducted.
I am told that certain restrictions are being placed on those charged
with this administrative investigation, and, if those restrictions are
not removed, I will have no other option than to discontinue my
agency's involvement. These restrictions have come to our attention in
the form of the DRAFT MOU that outline new "ad hoc" relationships
between TPD employees and the COT that would direct the conduct of this
investigation.
I have taken this position in hope that we may quickly resolve this
impasse and move forward. The need and desire for an administrative
investigation of the COT and the TPD was first discussed during a
meeting where you, I, Attorney General Christine Gregoire, her chief
prosecutor Brian Moran, and U.S. Attorney John McKay were in
attendance. During the meeting, it was unanimously believed and agreed
that this investigation needed to be done thoroughly and professionally
by a disinterested third-party agency.
We all agreed that this investigation needed to be unbiased and clear
to the discerning public that it was an unobstructed opportunity to
learn the truth behind these allegations. We recognized the need for
the "appearance of fairness" as it would cement the credibility of the
investigation and the concluding results. We agreed it was critical
that the citizens have faith in the investigation and confidence in its
findings.
With these principles and guidelines in mind, I directed my staff to
devote whatever time or resources were necessary to conduct this
investigation as well as humanly possible and to also be aware of the
public perception of them and of the investigation. Excluding
unexpected cost such as Overtime that have been reimbursed, the WSP has
invested 100s of thousands of dollars in cost to perform criminal and
internal investigations of the TPD.
Page two
Our staffs have been working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
specifically with the Tacoma Police Management Association (TPMA) Local
26 which will recite the principles of professionalism, fairness, and
thoroughness. They understand that not only must the investigation be
factually fair, but must also appear fair to any outside entity or
observer. It must also appear to the public at large to be free of the
taint of overreaching and improper control and influence. Toward this
end, I understand that there are some of the proposed provisions of the
MOU that are beyond our control.
We understood and accepted the requirement that the WSP investigators
abide by the existing agreements between the COT and the various law
enforcement unions and collective bargaining units when we originally
agreed to and corresponded on this matter. These new "ad hoc"
provisions drive an unmistakable wedge in the ability of the WSP, or
for that matter any independent investigator, to conduct a thorough and
unfettered investigation.
We have considerable experience in conducting investigations with the
types of labor requirements found in the pre-existing TPD CBA, and do
not view them as an impediment to the investigation. In fact, we have
previously done an investigation for the COT that required our
investigators to respect and work within the existing labor agreements.
But in addition to the 'adherence to the pre-existing labor'
provisions, there are others contained in this MOU that ignore the
principles by which this investigation must be done. The existence of
these new provisions prevents the WSP from conducting the level of
investigation required. In order to protect the credibly of this
investigation, the WSP must be free to conduct an investigation without
being subjected to undo limitation. We must be free to assign and
control our investigators, and the facts must dictate where the
investigation leads. We must galvanize our efforts from all criticism
of undo influence, and the more "contact" and "control" that COT or TPD
has over the investigators or the direction of the investigation the
more suspect it will be in the court of public opinion. Finally, these
parameters of an independent investigation have been used historically
between the WSP and state, local, law enforcement and governmental
agencies we have conducted investigations for, including the COT.
For example, one provision of this MOU that strains the credibility of
the investigation, by providing that your office will designate a
contact in the TPD seemingly to assist the WSP in its efforts. This
seemingly innocuous provision could be very problematic. I can readily
imagine a situation where the contact person is later identified as a
witness or a suspect. Such a turn of events would drain the WSP's
efforts of legitimacy and credibility. Further, this provision is not
consistent with earlier correspondence wherein I outlined the
requirement to work directly with your office due to the nature and
extent of the pending administrative investigation.
Another provision empowers you to remove a WSP investigator, who
allegedly violates the TPD's "Collective Bargaining Agreement" (CBA).
In the many Internal Affairs investigations that the WSP has done for
various agencies, including one previously done for the TPD, this
provision finds no equal. If this provision is exercised, it could
easily "be perceived that the removal was motivated by a desire to side
track or otherwise impugn or impact the investigation.
Page three
The draft MOU also contains a provision that if an allegation does not
rise to the level of an economic sanction, you retain the discretion to
have it investigated by the TPD. Again, this provision is not
consistent with past investigations we have conducted for the COT, nor
any other agency we have conducted investigations for.
Finally, and perhaps most troubling, there are new detailed provisions
for conducting interviews with employees accused of misconduct. The
described process is not part of the pre-existing CBA and paralyzes the
WSP investigator from conducting a "credible" interview.
With the above infirmities in the crust of credibility, the
investigation would cause far more confusion than light. It would not
serve to heal, but rather aggravate. These provisions guarantee a
scenario that you, I, Attorney General Gregoire, U.S. Attorney John
McKay vowed to avoid.
I would propose, that as originally envisioned, the WSP will be
empowered to conduct, control, and direct is own investigation: The WSP
will be able to conduct this investigation as we have many others in
the past, including one for the COT; the WSP investigators will be
allowed to determine the direction of their investigation; the WSP
moves forward without being forced to allow the involvement of COT or
TPD, or by being encumbered with limitations (advanced external to the
CBA) that prevent a thorough investigation from occurring; the WSP will
be able to rely on their previous experience and professionalism and
permitted to conduct this investigation, and while doing so, respecting
tie provisions of the CBA- Anything short of this fatally wounds the
objective we hope to achieve by conducting this investigation and
ignores the foundational principles that we all agreed to. By not
ensuring the WSP the freedom to do this investigation without
unnecessary control by the COT or the TPD undermines the citizen's
trust in and respect for our efforts.
In summary, please know that the WSP ia prepared to move forth with the
investigation and will comply, as we have said repeatedly, with the
various existing labor agreements. The WSP cannot and will not be
involved in an investigation that contains the above mentioned
infirmities.
As this is a proposed MOV <sic?> at this point, time is of the essence,
and provided we cannot resolve this matter, the WSP will cease all
activities related to this investigation by the close of business on
Tuesday Jarjuary 13, 2004.
Sincerely
<SIGNATURE>
CHIEF RONALD W. SERPAS, Ph.D.
RWS:sjs
cc: Attorney General Christine Gregoire
United States Attorney John McKay
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INVESTIGATIVE FILES
UNREDACTED VERSION
4/11/03
To: TPD Internal Affairs
From: Concerned Officers
Dear Internal Affairs, specifically Lt Bob Sheehan.
Many of us patrol Officers are extremely disturbed,
offended, but not surprised by the allegations brought
against Chief David Brame and Asst Chief Catherine Woodward
today, 4/11/03. Chief Brame's wife called 911 to report'
that they "used their badges and police power in a
inappropriate/non police related manner to gain access into
the PRIVATE Canterwood Golf Course and housing property." In
her complaint Chief Brame's wife states that Chief Brame has
"threatened to kill her" and that she is also "fearful of
Asst Chief Woodard." Chief Brame's wife stated, in the call
which was there for all to read in the CAD' readout, that
she had gone to Canterwood to "hide and stay at a friend's"
out "fear for her safety". We would all be very interested
to find out if Chief Brame and Asst Chief Woodard used their
badges to gain access into the private community for
personal reasons.
We, as officers, demand that Chief Brame be investigated
with the exact same fervor, lust, enthusiasm and diligence
that you have shown when investigating patrol officers. We
demand that if you are not able to do this in an unbiased
fashion, which we all know you won't be able to, that you
turn over the investigation to a law enforcement agency that
will be UN-BIASED in their investigation. Rest assured we
are not fans of Chief Brame, and we will do everything to
see that this incident is broadcast on the news and put into
the papers. We will also be advising these news agencies
that you will be attempting to cover this story up, which
we, who have lost faith in this departments inept
administration, know will happen.
For once it would be nice to see the administrators
"Practice what they preach" and maybe try to live up to the
standards set down in the glorious letter we all received
from Chief Brame.
Signed,
Concerned Officers of TPD
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05/16/2003 15:36
FAX 253 591 5991
TPD CHIEF'S OFFICE
Memo to File
On April 15, 2003 I received an anonymous letter complaining
about then Chief Bratne. The letter addressed the incident
where Crystal Brame called the PCSD against Chief Brame and
Assistant Chief Woodard. This incident occurred April 11,
2003.
I notified Assistant Chief Woodard and Assistant Chief
McCrea concerning the letter. They were both given copies of
the letter. Assistant Chief Woodard stated she would contact
the City Manager and inform him of the anonymous complaint.
Sergeant Blystone and Detective Davidson were also informed
of the complaint and reviewed the letter. The letter was
placed in the I/A file cabinet. The following day I was
contacted by Assistant Chief McCrea and informed that there
would be no investigation per the city manager. This was due
to the fact that the complaint was anonymous.
Robert H Sheehan
Lieutenant
Internal Affairs
ø¤°`°¤ø,¸_¸,ø¤°`°¤,¸_¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸_¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸_¸,ø¤°`°¤,¸_¸,ø
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RECEIVED MAY 2 8 2003 WSP - CID FIQ
05-21-03
David Fischer
Police Patrol Officer
Tacoma Police Dept.
930 Tacoma Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 573-6599
Captain Brian Ursino
Washington State Patrol
PO 'Box 42600
Olympia, WA 98504
RE: Criminal Investigation / David Brame
Dear Captain Ursino,
I am writing this statement in regards to some information that I have
regarding the investigation of David Brame. No one has ever contacted
me regarding this incident so I just wanted to be sure that you have
all the information that I have knowledge of for your investigation
into the Brame case.
I have tried to determine when this incident occurred, but I am unable
to find any information or date of occurrence for this incident. I
believe it occurred some time in 1996 while I was working for the
Tacoma Police Department as a Temporary and/or Acting Sergeant on the
graveyard shift.
I received a call from LESA dispatch that there was a (911) call of a
domestic dispute from Crystal Brame at their Gig Harbor home. I believe
the Gig Harbor Police responded to the Brame's residence, but they were
unable to contact anyone? I got the Brame residence's phone number from
dispatch and called the residence.
Crystal Brame answered the phone and she sounded like she was upset and
crying. I told her who I was, and that I was calling regarding the
(911) call she had made. Crystal said she and David had gotten into an
argument, but I don't recall what, or if she said what the argument was
about. I asked her if she was okay, and if there was a physical
altercation between her and David. She said she was okay, and that they
just had an argument. She sounded very upset so I again asked her if
any kind of physical violence or assault had occurred. Crystal again
said that they had only argued and nothing else occurred.
I asked her where David was, and she said he had left. She said she was
scared because he took his guns with him when he left. Crystal said
David did not make any kind of threats to her or himself, but she was
worried that he had taken his guns with him. I asked her if she knew
where David had gone. Crystal said she wasn't sure, but she thought he
might have went to his parent's house for the night.
Crystal said two or three times during the conversation, that she was
sorry and she didn't want to get David in any trouble at work. She also
asked me not to tell anyone that she had called because she didn't want
to get David into any trouble. I asked her why she thought she would
get him in trouble if all they did was have an argument. She said she
didn't know, but she knew David would be mad at her if he knew she had
called.
I told Crystal that I was going to have a Gig Harbor Police Officer
come to her house just to check on her and make sure she was okay. I
told her that an officer needed to contact her in person to make sure
she was okay, and that she needed to tell him what had happened.
Crystal agreed to cooperate and talk with the officer when he got to
her residence. I gave Crystal my name and department cellular phone
number, and I told her to call me if she needed anything else, or to
call (911) if it was an emergency.
I then called dispatch by phone and told them to send a Gig Harbor
Police officer to the Brame residence to contact Crystal and verify
that she was okay, and that there were no signs of injuries or a
physical domestic violence incident.
Immediately after hanging up with dispatch, I called the on-duty night
shift lieutenant who was Lt. Catherine (Crews) Woodard. I told her
exactly what had happened and what Crystal Brame had told me. I also
told Woodard that I had told dispatch to send a Gig Harbor Police
officer over to check on Crystal to make sure she was okay, and to
check for any sign of a physical domestic violence incident. I told
Woodard that David had left his residence and had taken his guns with
him. I told Woodard that Crystal thought David might be going to stay
the night at his parent's residence.
After telling Woodard everything that Crystal had told me, Woodard
thanked me for telling her about the incident. I told her everything
that I had done, and asked her if there was anything else she wanted me
to do (write a report, or check on David or Crystal)? Woodard said, no
and that she would handle it.
I never heard anything about the incident after talking to Woodard that
night, not from her or anyone else. I assumed that Woodard had followed
up on the incident and determined that it was just a verbal dispute
between Crystal and David, as Crystal had told me.
Prior to this incident, I was not aware of any domestic problems
between David and Crystal Brame. I was also not aware that the Brame's
were having domestic or marital problems at any time after this
incident up until the day after David shot and killed his wife and
himself.
I was also not aware that Catherine Woodard was a good friend of David
Brame's until after the Brame's deaths.
Now that I know that Catherine Woodard and David Brame were such close
friends (as Woodard herself has stated), and now that I know that the
Brame's had been having marital and domestic violence problems, I
believe I may have been "black balled" by Woodard and David Brame as a
result of my knowledge and handling of the Brame domestic dispute back
in 1996. I also do not know if Woodard ever reported the incident
between the Brames that I informed her about, or if she had covered for
David Brame by not reporting it to anyone or following up on the
incident with the Gig Harbor Police Department.
As I stated, I was working as a Temporary Sergeant in 1996 at the time
of this incident. Near the end of 1996 there was a permanent Sergeant
position opening, and I was number (1) on the Sergeant's list at that
time. I had been working as an Acting and Temporary Sergeant for about
(2) and a half years. All of my Sergeant's probationary reports during
that time stated that I was doing an excellent job as a Sergeant. I
also had far more experience as a Sergeant than the other officers
ranked behind me on the Sergeant's list. Yet despite being ranked
number (1) on the list, and all of the experience as a Sergeant I had,
and all of the excellent ratings I received on my Sergeant probationary
reports, I was passed over for the permanent Sergeant's position.
Instead, they promoted another officer ranked number (2) on the
Sergeant's list, who had far less experience as a Sergeant than I had.
The Sergeant's list expired a few weeks later and I never made
permanent Sergeant.
At the time that I was passed over for the promotion I assumed that I
was passed over because they wanted to promote a female to the
position, and I subsequently filed a grievance and appeal on the basis
of discrimination. However, after learning what I now know about the
Brame's domestic problems, and Catherine Woodard's involvement and
close friendship with David Brame, I believe that I was intentionally
passed over for promotion because I was "black balled" by the
administration, specifically by Brame and Woodard.
I recall an incident just prior to my rule of three interview for the
Sergeant's position, in which Catherine Woodard approached me and asked
me what I would do if I didn't get the promotion. I asked her how could
I not get the promotion since I was ranked number (1) on the Sergeant's
list, had extensive experience as a Sergeant, and my high ratings on my
Sergeant's probationary reports? Woodard said, you just never know,
anything can happen. She then again asked me what I would do if it did
happen, and I didn't get promoted. I told her I probably would file a
grievance or appeal. She asked me what would I have to file a grievance
about. I again explained to her, based on my ranking on the Sergeant's
list, experience compared to the other candidates, and my excellent
ratings on my Sergeant's probationary reports, that I was the best
qualified candidate for the position.
I thought it was odd that Woodard would ask me these questions at the
time. Now, in light of everything that has happened regarding the Brame
incident, and Woodard's involvement and close friendship with David
Brame, I believe that David Brame and Catherine Woodard used their
positions in the administration to influence the decision of the
promotion in which I was passed over for. I believe they abused their
positions of authority and had me passed over for promotion to Sergeant
because of that incident in which I had talked to Crystal Brame about
the domestic dispute between her and David.
Again, I can not recall the exact date of this incident, but the Gig
Harbor Police Department may have a record of the date of the incident,
and possibly more information on what Crystal Brame may have told the
officer that contacted her that night.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or if
you need any further information from me.
Also, please forward this information to any other agency that is
involved with the investigation of this incident such as the Washington
Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, Office of the Attorney
General, FBI, and any other agency involved.
Thank you. Sincerely,
David Fischer
Tacoma Police Department, PPO