Louisville Police Chief Resigns Amid Mishandling of Sexual Harassment Claim

The Louisville Police Department is facing yet another shakeup as Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel resigns amidst a scandal involving mishandling a sexual harassment claim. This marks the third full-time chief to resign or be fired since 2020, highlighting the ongoing turmoil within the department following the controversial death of Breonna Taylor in a botched drug raid.

Mayor Craig Greenberg announced Gwinn-Villaroel’s resignation and named Paul Humphrey as the interim chief, the fourth to take on the role in just two years. The department has been rocked by sexual harassment allegations, with two female officers filing lawsuits against fellow officers.

Greenberg condemned the alleged conduct as “unacceptable and inexcusable,” emphasizing the importance of respect in the workplace. Gwinn-Villaroel was suspended for mishandling a sexual harassment complaint, prompting her resignation. Greenberg vowed to improve sexual harassment training procedures and amend the policy for reporting complaints.

Despite Gwinn-Villaroel’s departure, Greenberg stated there would be no immediate search for a new full-time chief. Gwinn-Villaroel, who joined the department in 2021, rose to the position of chief in 2023. The Louisville Police Department continues to face challenges in rebuilding trust and addressing systemic issues within its ranks.