SNOHOMISH — A veteran Snohomish police officer has resigned amid allegations he harassed a woman and made unwanted sexual advances.
Corey Cook, who worked for the city for 24 years, resigned Sept. 30 in an agreement reached with the city.
Snohomish Police Chief John Turner placed Cook on leave June 30 after a woman complained. She was granted a temporary anti-harassment protection order against the officer.
The woman alleged Cook repeatedly called her, made inappropriate comments and scared her, court documents show.
Turner called Everett police to investigate.
A second family also took out a restraining order against the officer, according to court documents.
That family, witnesses in the initial case, said they were scared Cook might retaliate against them. Cook tried to call the neighbor several times to talk about the case, court documents said.
Two internal investigations were conducted, according to a press release from the city. “These investigations resulted in sustained findings,” the press release said. “These sustained findings were the basis for the city’s decision to work toward finding the least costly end to Cook’s employment.”
The city agreed to pay Cook $25,000 severance, according to city records.
The woman who first complained about Cook said she filed for a protection order against the officer because he had used his position in law enforcement to befriend her and then tried to pressure her into having sex with him, according to court documents.
The city agreed to the settlement because it was less expensive than pursuing arbitration with the Snohomish Police Guild, city manager Larry Bauman said. The city’s insurance company will cover half the severance cost. Herald Writer Diana Hefley contributed to this report.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
