Jeffrey R. Dixon: Ex-girlfriend alleges stalking, harassment

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Friday, July 21, 2006

Jeffrey R. Dixon: Ex-girlfriend alleges stalking, harassment

By LEWIS KAMB
P-I INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER

According to his ex-girlfriend, Metro Transit cop Jeffrey R. Dixon -- a King County deputy for more than 16 years -- stalked and harassed her to the point where she and her children were terrified.

Michelle Womack, 37, said she was a recently divorced mother of four when she met Dixon. She was 23, he was almost 40. The two dated for about 2 1/2 years, she said.

When their relationship soured, Womack said, she moved to get away from Dixon. "I didn't want him to find me."

But, she said, Dixon did -- repeatedly calling her and sometimes pulling her over with his police car. "He'd just sit there, his lights flashing. I was scared. So that's when I got the restraining order."

In 1995, a judge granted Womack's petition for a restraining order against Dixon, according to a King County District Court docket. Womack said her complaints about Dixon's behavior also triggered an internal Sheriff's Office investigation.

Details of any Sheriff's Office disciplinary records weren't made available at press time.

Several months after receiving the restraining order, Womack said, Dixon called her again. That led her to report the alleged violation -- and to a trial, she said.

Detailed court records have since been destroyed, and no record exists of any trial. But Womack insists that the case was prosecuted in late 1996, resulting in a hung jury. The matter was resolved, she said, when prosecutors struck a settlement with Dixon.

"He was supposed to ... move to another precinct, away from me," Womack said.

Reached by telephone Tuesday, Dixon, 52, had little to say. "That was like, what, 12 years ago?" he said. "I'm not going to comment on that, thank you."

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ABOUT THIS REPORT
This story is part of an ongoing investigation of the King County Sheriff's department. See more.

THE STORIES
Some transit unit officers are too aggressive, critics say Critics regard the King County Sheriff's transit unit as a dumping ground for problem deputies, and a bastion of tough guys who provoke confrontations. More deputies are on the job, but security remains elusive Security incidents reported by bus drivers are at their highest levels in recent years. Missed chance to end the violence? Federal prosecutors had a shot in 2002. Metro's transit trouble spots Where Metro bus drivers have reported the most security incidents over the past year.

CASE FILES
Five deputies whose behavior has drawn attention.: Joseph Abreu III Transferred into, then out of, transit unit Jeffrey R. Dixon Ex-girlfriend alleges stalking, harassment Bryan Anthony Hill 13-year veteran disciplined frequently Patrick 'K.C.' Saulet Object of 12 sustained complaints Nathaniel Smith Was sued over rough treatment of suspects

WHOM TO CONTACT
Here is contact information for public officials who can address issues raised in this series: Susan Rahr King County Sheriff's Office (206) 296-4155 susan.rahr@metrokc.gov Ron Sims King County Executive 701 Fifth Ave., Suite 3210 Seattle, WA 98104 206-296-4040 exec.sims@metrokc.gov