Seattle-based independent journalist Steve Hickey, who has amassed a significant following on social media, is facing a slew of accusations, including squatting, construction fraud, and misuse of his position within the fire department to gain exclusive access to news stories.
Hickey, who has a reputation for being the first to report on major incidents, is also a Fire Commissioner in Ravensdale, King County.
Earlier this month, Jonathan Choe, a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute, and YouTube journalist Tyler Oliveira, unveiled allegations that Hickey is unlawfully occupying a million-dollar property in Ravensdale. Despite having no lease and the property having been sold to a new owner, Hickey has reportedly refused to vacate the premises. The dispute is currently being deliberated in court.
Initially, Hickey was represented by the King County Bar Association's Housing Justice Project in the early stages of the alleged squatting case. However, he has since sought the services of a new attorney. In response to the allegations, Hickey released a video in which he portrayed himself as the victim and launched personal attacks against Choe, without providing any evidence of his right to remain on the property.
Following the initial report, more individuals have come forward, accusing Hickey of running construction scams for several years. Hickey, who previously owned and operated the Meridian Build Group, was once considered a rising star in the construction industry. His projects included work on the West Seattle home of Democratic State Senator Joe Nguyen.
However, in 2018, records revealed a growing number of complaints and lawsuits against the company. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries reports that Hickey still owes contractors and homeowners nearly $400,000 and is no longer licensed to operate in the state.
Hickey has faced multiple lawsuits over the past decade due to his dubious business practices. Contractor Angel Soriano told Choe that he lost over $100,000 after laying concrete for Hickey and that he cannot seek police intervention as it is deemed a civil matter. Soriano also stated that he lacks the time and resources for litigation.
Other victims have expressed their reluctance to go on record, fearing retaliation from Hickey. An anonymous source who worked with Hickey at Meridian claimed to know at least five victims and labeled Hickey a "charlatan" and a "con man."
In response to the allegations against Hickey, Senator Nguyen stated, "I had a good experience with Steve, but I am also devastated for the other victims."
Hickey is also accused of abusing his position as a commissioner at Fire District 47. South King County Fire Captain Bradley Chaney issued a stern email to all public information officers in the region, warning them of Hickey's "lack of professionalism and integrity."
Hickey is further accused of exploiting his position in the department to gain access to sensitive situations in the field, which he would then livestream on social media without the knowledge of first responders. As a result, he was placed on administrative leave from the department on Friday evening, pending an investigation.
One of Hickey's alleged victims, Katrina Freitag, the owner of the house Hickey is currently occupying, told Choe that she doesn't necessarily want to see Hickey 'cancelled', but she does believe in redemption if his victims are compensated. However, she is adamant that such incidents should not be repeated and encourages any other potential victims to come forward.
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