Contra Cabal 806-33-02 - Dereliction and Unlawful Collusion

Alleged Dereliction and Unlawful Collusion among Thomas A. Carr, Seattle City Attorney, his assistant Michael J. Finkle, and Seattle Jewish Mafia.

US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and City of Seattle (CoS), the oversight authorities for Council House, regularly practice willful blindness. Michael J. Finkle (a judge wannabe and CoS attorney), in a consort with Jeaneen Watkins (apparently responsible for harassment and elder abuse complaints), has ignored Council House tenant complaints for several years. CoS attorneys have also denied due process of law to tenants affected by false and misleading reports filed about them by Stephen A. Mitchell as part of his vilification and blackmail campaign. Follow the links for point by point refutation and clarification. [Agency Accountability]

Finkle continues to stonewall public records requests under Washington Public Disclosure Act by using fatuous exemptions. For example, to a request for a copy of Watkin’s job description he replied:

After conducting a search of our records, we have determined that no document exists in our office that describes Ms. Watkins' job functions.

If Watkins does not have a written job description then how can she work for City of Seattle let alone handle harassment complaints?

City of Seattle, Personnel Rule 2.1.1(G). “Classification specification” shall mean a written description of a classification . . . that includes a title, a description of distinguishing characteristics, a statement of typical duties and responsibilities, and a statement of minimum qualifications.

Finkle holds a copy of the Council House letter published below and supporting documentation that forms part of an official complaint yet he will not allow the author - a first party - to have a copy of those documents or to respond to the contents as required by CoS regulations. The author obtained a copy of the letter from a reliable journalism source.

CoS continues to keep public records on its files as non-conviction data without processing them until they have a political use for them, then they file criminal complaints using them as "evidence". Carr apparently uses the same blackmail techniques that Mitchell employs at Council House.

Finkle and Watkins allowed Mitchell to file false and misleading reports then kept them on file as part of a criminal record. They neglected to follow mandated procedures that provide due process of law.

Now, to cover their tracks they refuse to provide copies of documents under the Public Disclosure Act. [Silent Withholding]

Finkle claims:

In accordance with RCW 42.17.260(1) and RCW 10.97.080, we are prohibited from providing you with a copy of non-conviction data, even though you are the subject of that non-conviction data.

How can records rank as non-conviction data when Finkle has not processed them under CoS rules?

Finkle has accepted at face value, and entered into evidence, a document written by an alleged pathological liar. He then denied the subject of those lies an opportunity to refute them through due process of law. Mitchell's CoS filing forms part of a retaliatory pattern or practice. He has filed similar complaints with a federal agency. They all smack of political expediency and blackmail. [Thespian Liar]

Watkins failed to follow CoS procedures for harassment complaints that would have shown the falsity of Mitchell’s contentions. Mitchell choreographed them to harass and intimidate this reporter into not revealing a plethora of crimes that Mitchell has allegedly committed. Filing a false report with a law enforcement agency classifies as a serious criminal offense. [RCW 9A.76.175] [RCW 40.16.030]

Now that Carr and Finkle know that Mitchell filed a false and misleading report, why do they not prosecute him? Instead, they have trumped-up politically expedient criminal charges against the victim.

Do Carr and Finkle feed at the same trough as Council House directors with Wartnik and Doerty? Have they knowingly allowed a cover up as part of the campaign of lies and deceit now contested in the courts?

As a judge wannabe, Finkle has to make political connections. To his credit he did not peddle his ass on Capitol Hill during the 2000 election or use money other than from his family. He lost in the same election in which Doerty won by a preponderant machination.

Finkle’s dereliction, in a consort with other CoS employees, will gradually emerge in the elder abuse case studies. Council House has consistently not complied with Seattle Municipal Code to the detriment of elderly people - even to the extent of allowing Mitchell to incarcerate four of them and participate in two cases of alleged homicide by abuse.
[Elder Abuse - Abstracts] [Homicide by Abuse]

The public prosecutor received information relating to the death of Jackie Nations - the suicide that Mitchell mentions below. The full story about her death appears in a companion article. My responsibility ends with publication. The Jackie Nations abstract appeared in the elder abuse section twelve months ago yet Thomas A. Carr, City Attorney, (he also received a personal advice) has not investigated the alleged crimes. [Who Killed Jackie Nations?]

Officials must, by law, follow up reports of elder abuse and forward details to the public prosecutor. Appropriate authorities receive information upon publication of each case study. They must eventually take action to insure that no more incidents occur. Council House directors must accept responsibility for their dereliction and lack of response to complaints instead of consistently tying to kill the messenger. They have taken part in a kafkaesque charade to cover up elder abuse that involves criminal liability.

The letter that Mitchell wrote to Watkins typifies hundreds of other letters that Mitchell, Jacques his confederate, and other directors have sent to third parties (mainly relatives and former associates of tenants). However, in this case the letter retaliated for filing a complaint with CoS eight months before which the city did not process. They character assassinate tenants and blackmail them into submission after they dissent or complain about elder abuse by Mitchell’s thugs. Two articles provide a lay insight into his psychological condition.
[Histrionics and Narcissism] [Thespian Liar]

I leave readers to decide for themselves except for saying that any “surveillance” of Council House and its staff took place as part of a thorough investigation of elder abuse using proven techniques and within journalism codes of conduct. Information in documented case studies, ready for publication, will show the falsity of what Mitchell has written. I have annotated and linked a few items to illustrate my point.
[Impunity]

Seattle City Attorney Thomas A. Carr received prepublication notices but neither acknowledged nor responded to them - a common practice in the mayor’s office. Consequently, the situation has deteriorated.

Carr has used "evidence" scripted by a professional actor and acknowledged sociopath to orchestrate a convoluted scenario, then bring politically motivated criminal charges against a journalist.

I estimate that he will now need a team of attorneys and psychiatrists to work on the problem full time. I have linked to two fully researched articles so that he does not have to redesign the wheel. That should save the taxpayers some money.
[Thespian Liar] [Histrionics and Narcissism]

Stephen (aka Stefan) A. Mitchell, "Executive Director" of Council House.

SAM-01-1207-0000. It is with a heavy heart that I compile this information. The horror of September 11th proved to me that there are times when you simply cannot protect yourself from fanatics. Council House and myself have been the victims of relentless attacks full of malice and insane accusations not supported by any fact. I am desperate to find relief. I have to confess that even after this non-profit spent nearly twenty thousand dollars to protect ourselves, the harassment continues. It is difficult for me to even compile the information as it forces me to look into the mind of a mad man who continues to spew venom at our organization at ever opportunity.

Council House is a provider of independent living to low income seniors. We have had a long history of providing a great service that we continue to strive to improve. Mr. Trurnmel has been trying for the last few years to destroy all that was built by this not for profit organization.

This all began when Mr. Trummel moved into Council House approximately three years ago. He stated to make complaints about noise that other residents were making. Complaints that we could never substantiate. The complaints became so frequent that I could not respond to them all. I finally had to block Mr. Trummel from emailing me as my box would be full.

Credibility Note:
Documents show that between 99-1229-1438 and 00-0131-1736 Mitchell received twelve email messages about noise pollution. They resulted from a request by him for reports each time noise occurred and promised to fix the problem. He did nothing. He must have a very small mailbox if it overflows after receiving twelve messages that he requested in one month.

The Administrator at that time and myself were getting complaints from residents that Mr. Trummel was leaving letters threatening court action if they did not stop making noises. He was intimidating and terrorizing residents who lived two, three even four floors above him. He was spotted several times "prowling" the halls at three o'clock in the morning "investigating" his phantom noises that could never be substantiated.

Eventually Mr. Trumnel [sic] slipped deeper and deeper into his apparent dementia and began to publish and distribute his own newsletter. The staff would arrive in the morning to find that he had placed his "Disconnected" newsletter on all the residents doors. Disconnected was filled with vicious attacks our Administration and other residents. Mr. Trummel would make accusations of criminal activity, racism, corruption and incompetence. He would specifically target resident who suffered from development disorders.
[SMC 22.206.180. Prohibited Acts by Owners]

One resident whom he focused his attacks on jumped to her death from her 6th story window. This Trummel supported another resident who made a death threat targeting this woman and my activity director and her infant son.
[Who Killed Jackie Nations]

Mr. Trummel has no apparent remorse for his actions. In fact even after being told that one of the residents that he was targeting in his news letter was suffering from a brain tumor and only has a few weeks to live, Mr. Trummel responded by stating that he was glad she was on her way to Hell.

In July of 2000 Mark Mullen Left Council House and I became the new Administrator. Since that time Mr. Trummel has focused un-relenting effort on harassing the staff and residents of Council House. We have been subject to countless investigations from the smallest city agencies all the way up to the Congressional level. Mr. Trummel even contacted the FBI to report the administrations percieved [sic] "criminal activity." [Tall Structure Terror]

Eventually Mr. Trummel's behavior became so out of control that I sent him a warning letter threatening eviction. As a result he tried to attain anti-harassment order against me. Somehow he managed to make it a Superior Court case instead of in District Court. While defending myself in court I learned that Mr. Trummel has looked into all aspects of my past and also that of my staff.

Note:
A compliment to any investigative reporter who uses ethical journalism techniques tenaciously to insure accurate reporting.

He was demanding that I provide the court with proof of my education and other things that do not have any bearing that harassment case. Judge Doerty denied his petition with prejudice and informed Mr. Trummel that if his pattern continued he would grant Council House a protection order. Mr. Trummel has not stopped his behavior and continues to perpetuate harassment on myself and the Council House community.

Trummel vs. Mitchell Petition denied with prejudice. Judge Doerty retains jurisdiction over case.

Council House returns to Court after Mr. Trummel continues to harass and intimidate Council House residents and staff and the Board of Directors. A permanent restraining order is granted by judge Doerty who retains jurisdiction over the case. Mr. Trummel is permanently restrained from:

1. Keeping the petitioner under surveillance.
2. Going within 1,000 feet of Stephen Mitchell's residence or workplace.
3. Making any attempts to contact the petitioner
4. Restrained from entering Council House.
5. Restrained from contacting in person, by mail, electronically, by telephone, by writing, or though any third person any resident of Council House and any board member, staff or employee of Council House at any location.

Statements read in court include: "(Mr. Trummel) has engaged in a crusade marked by merciless spite and unending animosity." Mr. Trummel's motion for reconsideration is denied.

Judge Doerty informs Mr. Segal [sic] that Mr. Trummel is to no longer directly contact his staff. Judge Doerty states: "His behavior to my staff is grounds for contempt, an additional restraining order or both. It will stop."

Mr. Trummel enters Madison market and refuses to leave after seeing Phillipe [sic] Jacques a resident of Council House. He begins to yell for the manager of the store. Madison is well within the 1000 ft that Mr. Trummel is required to stay away from me. As it was during normal business hours he was in direct violation of the order.

Maureen Mitchell sent a letter to Mr. Trammel's [sic] lawyer requesting that the slanderous material be taken from his website. There was no reply.

Telephoned by a friend and informed that upon searching my name on the Internet she was taken to Mr. Trummel's website. She was appalled by the attacks. She stated that there was a photo of me with a Muslim turban and beard and statements linking me to terrorists. She also stated that she was concerned for my safety and the safety of the staff as this was just after September 11 and Mr. Trummel had placed our home addresses on his site.

Paul Trummel filed a small claims action against Stephen Mitchell and Council House. All attempts to resolve the issue with Mr. Trummel's lawyer were ignored. Was subject to further harassment in court until judge denied his request and struck my name from the case.

Mr. Trummel showed up in the court room on three separate occasions when a resident was filing fro a restraining order against another resident. Mr. Trummel refused to leave even when he knew that I was there on behalf of the residents. The police were informed each time. Each time nothing was done. The first time the Police informed me that there was no order on file. Since then I have carried the order in 1, 2001

A motion for contempt hearing was held in judge Doerty's court. Judge Doerty informed Mr. Trummel that his claims of protection by virtue of being a journalist is a bogus claim. Mr. Trummel was found in contempt and ordered to pay legal fees. Which he has not done.

Judge Doerty also informed Mr Trummel that he is in violation of the order by keeping Council House under surveillance. "Keeping track through received information" regardless of who went and collected that information." He has provided it publicly which has had the same effect on the victim the statute seeks to prohibit." This is an action that Mr. Trummel continues to do as the e-mail from HUD on December 5, 2001 shows. Mr. Trummel continues to keep Council House under surveillance by reporting on a meeting that happened November 7, 2001.

Judge Doerty continued to state: "I reject that Mr. Trummel posted them in innocence or with anything other than malevolence." "(H)is actions definitely appear designed to coerce, intimidate or humiliate pursuant to his pattern."

HUD contract administrator Clarence Nelson reported via e-mail that Mr. Trummel has violated the court order by contacting them 14 times since the original date in April.

Judge Doerty states: "Paul Trummel continues to be in contempt of the court." He orders sanctions to paid by Mr. Trummel until he complies with the order. Mr. Trummel is ordered to remove all names and photos and addresses from his website contracabal.org. It is determined that Mr. Trummel continues to keep Council House under surveillance by reporting on activities that take place there. The judge informs Mr. Trummel that he may no longer keep Council House under surveillance and tells him that what goes on at Council House is none of his business. [Prior Restraint]

After being found in contempt of court for his continued surveillance and continued harassment a new order was fashioned.

Becky Sands from HUD contacts me to inform me that Mr. Trummel has sent another letter to them. She stated that she believed this was against the order. I contact the Police who reluctantly gave me a case number (01-568149) and stated that there was "nothing he could do."

In the letter that Mr. Trummel sent to HUD and also the local temple DeHirch [sic] Mr. Trummel violates the order by making accusations of: a dictatorship at Council House, Terrorism, censorship, belligerent attorneys, racism, sexism, agism, illegal activity and also continues to list the names of the administrative staff.

Note:
Becky Sands later confirmed in response to an FOIA request for a copy of the letter that no such letter exists. Mitchell apparently refers to terms he took out of context from a variety of articles published in Contra Cabal.

Mr. Trummel reports on activities at Council House that have happened since he was held in contempt of court for keeping Council House under surveillance. He makes statements like: "The management condoned sympathies directed toward Islamic Terrorists" and "strapping sick residents to gurneys and incarcerating them." [Elder Abuse - Abstracts]

Contacted by Greg Scarr at HUD stating that his administration is requesting further documentation regarding Mr. Trummel’s allegations.

Mr. Trummel continues his crusade to expose corruption where there is none. He continues to harass my staff and the resident here at Council House. His website reveals a thinly veiled threat of castration to me. [Castration! How does one castrate a Eunuch?]

My concern continues to grow as Mr. Trummel shows no respect for the law and the Superior Court's orders. I am working with a population that has been terrorized by Mr. Trummel and live in fear that he is going to return. For my staff and myself we can find ways of coping with the stress that Mr. Trummel thrives in creating, however, to many of my residents stress can be deadly. [Histrionics and Narcissism]