McKee outlines timeline of Patten investigation

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Gov. Dan McKee on Friday outlined the investigation into the reported misconduct by now former the director of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance at the Department of Administration, David Patten.

McKee said that on March 10, the trip to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, happened and a report of Patten’s behavior was sent to human resources. The initial HR investigation begins.

Two days later, the state received email allegations against Patten from Scout Ltd., the preferred vendor to revitalize the vacant Cranston Street Armory, regarding the Philadelphia trip.

While on the Philadelphia trip, he was allegedly “offensive” and his actions were “unprofessional.”

In an email sent by Scout, several instances of inappropriate misconduct by Patten were outlined, including Patten being offered a pair of sneakers and saying, “Are these made in China? I hope not because I really hate China.”

In another instance, Patten was accused of sexually harassing a female executive with Scout, saying to her in part, “If I knew your husband wasn’t going to be here, I would have come last night.”

Patten is also accused of making several requests for free items, including asking for a free lunch a Michelin star restaurant. When he was told that restaurant was not open, Patten allegedly said, “Well, you can call in a favor if you want $55 million in funding.”

The next day, concern of Patten’s conduct during an incident at Ladder 133 in Providence was sent to human resources as part of the investigation.

According to a document obtained by ABC 6 News, during the Ladder 133 incident, Patten was accused of asking “very personal and inappropriate lines of question[s],” sharing person information that was “concerning” and “inappropriate,” making homophobic comments, and talking down and belittling.

On March 14, McKee said that “as part of the state’s process,” Patten’s access to all state computer systems and state cell phone were locked.

That same day, McKee said Patten’s Family and Medical Leave Act began, “providing protections against any potential termination.”

Also on March 14, McKee said he called Scout to apologize for the behavior that was being reported.

“[I] offer[ed] to their management to speak with anyone that they ask me to call as governor of the state of Rhode Island to also provide an apology,” said McKee.

Fast forward to April 11, McKee said his legal office refers the matter to Rhode Island State Police.

On May 30, Patten was medically cleared by his doctor to return to work, said McKee. That same day, he’s placed on paid administrative leave, so the investigation can continue.

“Paid administration leave was the only option the state had at this time, seeing that Mr. Patten was a classified employee,” explained McKee.

Two weeks later, Patten steps down from his role and the human resources investigation is suspended.

Michael Lynch, Patten’s attorney, blames his client’s behavior on an “acute stress event.”

It’s also worth noting that Patten was on this work trip with his boss, James Thorsen, the former director of Department of Administration.

Scout also criticized Thorsen for not stopping Patten’s behavior after Scout executives asked him to stop Patten’s poor behavior.