Louisville Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel resigned Tuesday, the mayor said, less than two weeks after she was placed on administrative leave for her handling of internal sexual harassment allegations. Mayor Craig Greenberg declined to say whether he asked her to resign or whether he would have fired her if she had not. Paul Humphrey, who has been leading the department as acting chief following her suspension, will become interim chief, USA Today reports. Greenberg said Humphrey "understands that what's needed for this department to move forward is to continue making improvements, to continue fighting crime, and to continue to strengthen relationships with the entire community." There will not be a search for a permanent chief at this time, Greenberg said, adding that police priorities should be more centered around the improvement of anti-sexual harassment policies, its fight against violent crime, and its consent decree negotiations with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Gwinn-Villaroel's resignation follows the release of a recording that seemingly documented her promoting a major in the department — Brian Kuriger — to a senior leadership role less than a minute after fellow major Shannon Lauder said he had "sexually harassed and attacked" her. Greenberg said the investigation into that matter is still ongoing. Since her suspension, two additional police officers, Sgt. Lauren Carby and Officer Christine Silk, have filed lawsuits against Louisville Metro Police, alleging sexual harassment within the department. Carby accused Lt. Jeff Lauder of propositioning her for sex at a pool party in 2020 with the encouragement of his wife, Maj. Shannon Lauder. Silk alleged she was sexually harassed by two male officers, including one, identified by her as her field training officer, Justin LeMon, who she says sent her unwanted photos of his genitals after she rebuffed his romantic advances. LeMon was placed on administrative reassignment pending an internal affairs investigation earlier this year. On Tuesday, Greenberg said Shannon Lauder and Jeff Lauder were placed on administrative leave alongside Kuriger.