Mayor announces resignation of LMPD chief and suspension of four people involved in sexual harassment allegations

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – WAVE News Troubleshooters have learned that Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel has resigned just two weeks after being suspended.

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Mayor Craig Greenberg made the announcement during a press conference Tuesday afternoon. It came on the heels of a sexual harassment scandal that rocked the department. Acting chief Paul Humphrey will assume the role of interim chief until the city takes further action to fill the position permanently.

“Interim Chief Humphrey has full authority to make the decisions necessary to reduce gun violence, improve public safety, lead the department, take disciplinary action and implement the policies and priority changes we deem necessary, particularly with respect to sexual harassment and police misconduct,” Greenberg said. Thanking Gwinn-Villaroel for her service, he continued, “The people of Louisville 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 team at LMPD will do that.”

“It is a great honor to serve as interim chief, and I appreciate the Mayor’s trust in me to continue to lead the department forward,” Humphrey said. “Despite the change in leadership, our goal remains the same. I am proud to work with all of the officers and staff of LMPD as they remain committed to protecting and serving the citizens of Louisville.”

Villaroel was suspended by Greenberg two weeks ago for her response to sexual harassment allegations made by one LMPD major against another. Villaroel promoted accused Major Brian Kuriger 59 seconds after he was accused by First Division Major Shannon Lauder.

During Tuesday’s press conference, Humphrey confirmed that officers Justin LeMon, Kuriger, and Shannon and Jeff Lauder were suspended.

A week after Lauder made the allegations against Kuriger, Sergeant Lauren Carby filed a lawsuit alleging that Lauder and her husband, Lt. Jeff Lauder, sexually harassed her. The lawsuit included sexually explicit allegations made by Carby.

This was the second sexual harassment lawsuit filed against the department in less than two weeks.

Villaroel was appointed chief in January 2023 after then-Chief Erika Shields left the office. Villaroel was the department’s third permanent chief in four years. She served with the Atlanta Police Department for 20 years before moving to Louisville with Shields as one of her deputy chiefs. During that time, Villaroel’s husband continued to live in Atlanta after retiring from the Atlanta Police Department.

During her tenure, Villaroel was embroiled in other scandals, as the WAVE News Troubleshooters uncovered, including a previous charge of “untruthfulness” by Atlanta police 20 years ago. She was recorded poring over a colleague’s investigative files on her brother-in-law, who was the subject of a criminal investigation for drug offenses.

The finding of untruth led to Villaroel being branded a “Brady Cop,” a designation given to police officers caught lying, a designation that would have had to be disclosed in any court case in which Villaroel testified.

Sources told WAVE News Troubleshooters that the mayor’s office knew nothing about Villaroel’s past before she was appointed chief.

During Tuesday’s press conference, Greenberg and Humphrey announced immediate changes to LMPD’s sexual harassment policies and procedures. Specifically, these changes focus on more clearly defining sexual harassment, improving and expanding the reporting process, requiring new training, and creating support systems for employees who report sexual harassment.

“Let me be very clear: LMPD does not tolerate sexual harassment. We are implementing important policy updates. We have begun increased training and are revising and improving our reporting and processing processes,” Humphrey said. “In addition, several support systems are available for employee wellness, including through our Summit Wellness Center. We are committed to accountability and promoting a safe and welcoming work environment where all employees feel comfortable and safe.”

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