Louisville police chief resigns under scrutiny over handling of sexual harassment allegations – Kentucky Lantern

Louisville Metro Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel has resigned after being placed on administrative leave amid an investigation into her handling of sexual harassment allegations within the department. Paul Humphrey will act in the interim. (Louisville Metro Police Department) Mayor Craig Greenberg announced Tuesday that the chief's resignation was effective immediately. He named interim Police Chief Paul Humphrey, who led the department while Gwinn-Villaroel was on leave, to serve as interim chief. In a statement, Greenberg said Humphrey "is fully empowered to make decisions necessary to reduce gun violence, improve public safety, manage the department, take disciplinary action, and implement priority policies and changes that we consider as necessary, particularly in relation to sexual harassment and policing. misconduct." The mayor also thanked Gwinn-Villaroel for his service. “Louisville residents expect all of us in public service to work together with integrity to make our city safer, stronger and healthier, and I am confident that Interim Chief Humphrey and his leadership team LMPD will make it happen,” Greenberg said. Gwinn-Villaroel was suspended less than two weeks ago when an allegation of harassment became public. Although she was not involved in the alleged conduct, an attorney representing the original accuser, Maj. Shannon Lauder, said the chief became aware of her complaint against Maj. Brian Kuriger during a command staff meeting. In the days that followed, Sgt. Lauren Carby filed a lawsuit against LMPD and alleged sexual harassment by Lauder and her husband, Lt. Jeff Lauder. Another lawsuit was filed by the officer Christine Silkwho accused officers Justin LeMon and Dale Cottongim of sexually harassing her on multiple occasions. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg (Kentucky Lantern photo by Liam Niemeyer) Greenberg and Humphrey said immediate changes would be made to LMPD's sexual harassment policies and procedures to more clearly define sexual harassment, improve and expand the reporting process, implement new training and add support systems for employees who report sexual harassment. Greenberg said this is “the start of what I expect to be major improvements and transformative reforms at LMPD” and that more announcements will follow. “Let me be very clear: LMPD will not tolerate sexual harassment. We are implementing important updates to our policy. We have begun enhanced training and are reviewing and improving our reporting and processing processes,” Humphrey said. “Additionally, a variety of support systems are available for employee wellness, including through our Summit Wellness Center. We are committed to taking responsibility and fostering a safe and welcoming work environment, in which all employees feel comfortable and secure. Gwinn-Villaroel became permanent head in 2023 after serving as the department's interim head. The LMPD had six different leaders since 2020. During this period, the department has drawn national criticism for various incidents, including the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylora 26-year-old black woman as officers executed a no-knock warrant and, more recently, arrested a professional golfer Scottie Scheffler during the PGA Championship but the charges were dismissed. The city of Louisville started earlier this year negotiate a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice to correct civil rights violations committed by LMPD. Gwinn-Villaroel joined the department in 2021 as deputy chief. She previously worked at the Atlanta Police Department.