Respondent attributes the delays between the incidents and the predetermination conference to holidays, annual leave, staffing issues, transition to the Office of Shared Administration, and the miscommunication between Mr. Chidester and Ms. Elkins. Due to the allegations regarding Shannon Elkins, Deputy Commissioner Ellis, who covers 33 counties in three districts, was more intricately involved which further complicated the process.

On March 17, 2025, Deputy Commissioner Ellis suspended Grievant for five days for violation of Respondent's Employee Conduct Policy, OSA-PM 2018, and West Virginia Code § 49-5-101. The suspension letter states, "On December 3, 2024, a complaint was received by Rachel Deem, Child Protective Services Supervisor, indicating you had shared confidential information with a family member of a CPS case whom you are friends with and you also shared confidential information regarding the same case in a public business. On December 19, 2024, you were overheard disclosing the name of a reporter to a magistrate.3 When this was discussed with you, you did not believe what you did was wrong and responded, 'Oh well.' This is in violation of OSA-PM 2108, Employee Conduct Policy, which provides that all employees are expected to 'Maintain the confidentiality of all business record contents.' This also violates WV State Code §49-5-101, which provides, in part, that all records and information concerning a child ... 'are confidential and shall not be released or disclosed to anyone, including any federal or state agency.'" R. Ex. 1.