Believing Grievant called Ms. Bragg purposely, Ms. Bragg muted her telephone and continued to listen. SSM Elkins was sitting in Ms. Bragg's office at this time. Ms. Bragg heard Magistrate Kuhl ask the name of the reporter, then she heard Grievant disclose the name and employer for the reporter of the abuse regarding the subject child. Ms. Elkins was not paying close attention when Grievant disclosed the name and employer; however, she immediately began to listen closely after Ms. Bragg exclaimed, "Did you just hear what she did? She just told Magistrate Kuhl who the reporter was!" Once Grievant realized the call was in progress and spoke, Ms. Bragg asked Grievant why she disclosed the reporter's name. Grievant responded, "Because he asked." Ms. Bragg asked, "I know he asked, but why did you tell him?" Again, Grievant gave the same reply. R. Ex. 1 and 4; testimony of Bragg and Elkins.
In the level three hearing, Grievant confirmed the telephone call with Ms. Bragg, but denied stating the name of the reporter to Magistrate Kuhl. Grievant presented an email dated March 21, 2025, from Magistrate Kuhl regarding their conversation on December 3, 2024. Grievant did not present Magistrate Kuhl as a witness. G. Ex. 1; testimony of Grievant, Bragg, and Elkins.
On the same day, CPS Supervisor Rachel Deem took a call from a respondent mother, J.M. The mother advised Ms. Deem that Grievant had discussed J.M.'s CPS case with J.M.'s father, S.M., and workers at CSL plasma donation facility. J.M. stated that a sibling received intimate details of J.M.'s case from her father—details only known to CPS. On December 4, 2024, Ms. Deem contacted SSM Elkins in response to the mother's complaint. Respondent did not present J.M., S.M., or Rachel Deem as a witness. R. Ex. 1 and 8.