OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington state records show the state paid more than $55,000 for a pair of personnel investigations connected to state Sen. Pam Roach, R-Auburn.
The Legislature’s Facilities and Operations Committee reprimanded Roach last month for allegedly mistreating an employee. An investigation into Roach’s behavior cost the state $23,082.
An appeal from Roach was denied. Republican leaders have banned Roach from caucus meetings. She retains committee assignments.
Roach also requested an investigation of Senate Minority Leader Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, accusing him of “abusive behavior.” That $32,331 investigation concluded Hewitt hadn’t violated Senate policies.
The law firm Stokes Lawrence handled the investigation. The News Tribune and The Seattle Times reported the costs Wednesday.
