After a video of veteran reporter Amy Jacobson showing her partying in a swimsuit by the pool of a man whose wife has gone missing two months ago, emerged online, Jacobson left her job.
The reporter decided to part ways with a Chicago television station after a video posted on a rival station's Web site showed her wearing a halter bikini top and towel near the pool at the home of Craig Stebic. Her two children and Stebic himself are also shown in the video.
Two months ago, Jacobson was given the task of investigating the disappearance of Stebic’s wife, Lisa, for Chicago’s WMAQ-TV. Her behavior has raised ethical questions and led to Jacobson losing her job.
According to Chicago Tribune, her colleagues at WMAQ received a memo Tuesday afternoon from Vice President of News Frank Whittaker and News Director Camille Edwards.
"We are sorry to tell you that Amy Jacobson is leaving NBC 5 News, effective immediately," read the memo, a copy of which was obtained by the Tribune.
"Amy’s contributions as a reporter over the last 10 years are numerous. Her hustle and passion for news have given us an edge on many top stories. She’s worked long hours on many days, and we appreciate all she’s done."
Jacobson told the Chicago Sun-Times she knows she "made a lapse in judgment," but she thought the station would suspend her and then support her.
Her lawyer released a statement claiming she was not fired, "There was no drinking. No one was sitting in a hot tub. She wasn't anywhere near him (Craig Stebic)," Zellner said. "(Stebic's) sister invited her to drop by."