Lawyer for a victim of sexual harassment at LMPD speaks about the incident

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – Louisville Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel was suspended Wednesday due to her handling of a sexual harassment complaint by LMPD Major Shannon Lauder.

WHAS11 obtained an audio recording Wednesday that sheds light on the sexual harassment allegation that led to Gwinn-Villaroel’s suspension. Jared Smith, Lauder’s attorney, said Lauder had retained his services before the recording was made.

Smith spoke on the recording Thursday, saying Gwinn-Villaroel asked all the majors during a meeting on May 22, 2024, “Is there anyone on this command staff you cannot work with?” When called on, Lauder said, “Ma’am, I cannot work with Major Brian Kuriger. He sexually harassed and assaulted me. I cannot work with him.”

A minute later, Smith said, the chief responded, “Your new lieutenant colonel will be Brian Kuriger.” LMPD later confirmed to WHAS11 that Kuriger was not officially promoted.

Lauder’s attorney said that meeting lasted 15 minutes. She was absent due to illness but participated remotely via WebEx and recorded the meeting. Smith said Lauder did not raise the sexual harassment complaint with Gwinn-Villaroel before that meeting.

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“While Major Lauder explored ways to report the complaint confidentially, she felt compelled to make her statement in front of her colleagues because she had been embarrassed by the boss,” Smith said. “She had the choice to speak up or remain silent. The latter is an all too common occurrence for women who experience workplace harassment.”

He said that a few minutes before the end of the meeting, the chief said, “I will not tolerate any major who does not get along with another major and does not support him because you all have a problem. This is over. And if you can’t do that, turn your things over to me today. I mean, turn them over today.”

“What we hear LMPD Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel say in this recording is deeply disturbing, as I believe her tone toward her command staff is aggressive and threatening. The atmosphere does not feel welcoming or safe,” Smith said. “Even more disturbing is the way the chief responds to Maj. Shannon Lauder’s claim that she has a problem working with Maj. Brian Kuriger because she feels he sexually harassed her.”

“The Chief’s response to Major Lauder’s allegation paints a disturbing picture of a department that lacks strong leadership and does not put the well-being of its officers first.”

The attorney said they are currently looking into the situation and Lauder is taking time to “process what happened and consider her options.” He added that they were “encouraged” by the actions Greenberg has taken.

“Major Lauder has an impeccable reputation for building support among her officers through consensus, leadership and honesty,” Smith said. “In fact, she is currently in the process of outlining a book she plans to write on effective leadership to help police command staff members lead more effectively.”

Lauder is from Louisville and currently leads Division 1, which includes downtown, Portland and parts of the West End.

She worked for LMPD for 16 years.

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