close
close
hsuses

LMPD chief suspended for handling allegations of sexual harassment in the workplace

Theo

The mayor has placed LMPD Chief Jackie Gwinn-Villaroel on leave. Mayor Craig Greenberg made the announcement Wednesday, saying it was over how she handled an allegation of sexual harassment within the department. “He sexually harassed and assaulted me, and I cannot work with him,” LMPD Major Shannon Lauder said in an audio recording released by her attorney. The recording was made during a recent meeting with Gwinn-Villaroel and members of her senior staff. Listen to part of it below: This allegation from Lauder involves a male colleague who also holds the rank of major. Gwinn-Villaroel: Major Lauder, I have heard your concerns, and I understand that you cannot, and so we need to discuss his status going forward. Lauder: Yes, ma’am. I know now is not a good time to bring it up, but I didn’t want you to say later I didn’t bring it up. I’m so sorry I had to come out like that.Chief: (inaudible) I hear your concerns. Lauder: Yes, ma’am. Thank you.Gwinn-Villaroel will be on paid leave pending the outcome of an independent investigation led by attorney David Beyer. “I hold myself and all leads from the agencies that report to me to the highest standards, and that certainly includes the LMPD,” Greenberg said.Deputy Chief Paul Humphrey will serve as acting chief in her absence. “We will not allow this to distract us. We will not let up in our fight to combat violent crime in this community. Keeping people safe and protecting constitutional rights will always be our primary focus,” Humphrey said. The suspension comes as the department undergoes a period of reform. An investigative report into repeated civil rights violations by the LMPD was released in March 2023. The department is still working on a settlement with the federal government that will require Louisville to provide millions of taxpayer dollars annually to fund the necessary changes. These reforms are aimed at improving policing, increasing accountability and protecting residents’ civil rights. The chief was hired permanently a few months after the report was released, and Greenberg said at the time that was in part because she was committed to change within the department. She had previously taken the helm under then-LMPD Chief Erika Shields, who resigned after less than two years.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. —

The mayor has placed LMPD Chief Jackie Gwinn-Villaroel on leave.

Mayor Craig Greenberg made the announcement on Wednesday, saying it was about how she handled an allegation of sexual harassment within the department.

“He sexually harassed and assaulted me, and I cannot work with him,” LMPD Major Shannon Lauder said in an audio recording released by her attorney.

The photo was taken during a recent meeting with Gwinn-Villaroel and members of her senior staff.

Listen to a clip below:

This allegation made by Lauder concerns a male colleague who also holds the rank of major.

Gwinn-Villaroel: Major Lauder, I have heard your concerns and I understand that you are unable to do this, so we need to inquire about his status.

Lauder: Yes, ma’am. I know now is not the right time to bring this up, but I didn’t want you to say later that I didn’t bring it up. I’m so sorry I had to come out like this.

Boss: (inaudible) I have heard your concerns.

Lauder: Yes, ma’am. Thank you.

Gwinn-Villaroel will be placed on paid leave pending the completion of an independent investigation led by attorney David Beyer.

“I hold myself and all agencies under my command to the highest standards, and that certainly includes the LMPD,” Greenberg said.

Deputy Chief Paul Humphrey will serve as acting chief in her absence.

“We will not allow this to distract us. We will not let up in our fight against violent crime in this community. The safety of the people and the protection of constitutional rights will always be our primary concern,” Humphrey said.

The suspension comes as part of a reform phase within the department.

In March 2023, an investigative report was released into repeated civil rights violations by the LMPD.

The department is currently working on a settlement with the federal government that would require Louisville to provide millions of taxpayer dollars annually to finance the necessary changes.

The aim of these reforms is to improve policing, increase accountability and protect the civil rights of the population.

The chief was hired permanently a few months after the report was published. Greenberg said at the time that this was due in part to her commitment to change within the department.

She had previously taken over the leadership under then LMPD chief Erika Shields, who resigned after less than two years.

Related Posts