Seaside reveals report into Kayla Jones harassment allegations

The City of Seaside has released a report into allegations of harassment made by Councilwoman Kayla Jones.

According to the report by the Law Office of Donald Potter, the investigation found no unlawful harassment or violation of the City’s Anti-Harassment Policy.

Councilmember Jones did not appear for an interview and said she did not want an investigation which placed limits on the investigation.

The investigation also revealed witnesses did not consistently provide factual support to back up the claims of sexual harassment.

According to the report, Kayla Jones never showed up to a scheduled interview on October 2nd with the investigator. The report said the Human Resources Director/Risk Manager Roberta Greathouse told the investigator she told Jones about the interview both via email and voicemail.

Councilmember Jones later said she was working on October 2nd and did not see the email about her interview. According to the report, Jones said “she did not know the investigation would be a public document and she wasn’t going to say anything if it was going to be a public thing that the public could dissect.”

The City Manager was also interview as part of the investigation and given copies of transcribed notes from the council meeting where Jones made the harassment accusations.

The City Manager said he told Council member Jones the city was transcribing her statements and asked if she wanted an investigation. He said Jones replied, “she did not want an investigation, she wanted an intervention.”

Council members and the Mayor were also interviewed.

The report consists of 60 pages.

Councilmember Jones did not show up to the meeting on Thursday, November 1st. Jones was brought up several times during public comment.

The council formally received the investigation at the meeting as members of the public defended the council members.

The council members also defended themselves and their decision to pay for an investigation.

To read the full report click here.

For previous reports on the Kayla Jones controversy click here.