Louisville Metro Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel has stepped down after less than a year amid dual controversies of a sexual harassment scandal and the mishandled arrest of professional golfer Scottie Scheffler.

The police chief's resignation followed multiple allegations of sexual harassment within Louisville's police department and controversies surrounding her leadership decisions, as Breitbart reports.

Police Chief Suspended Following Mishandled Claims

Gwinn-Villaroel's tenure came to an abrupt end on Tuesday following her suspension, which was prompted by her handling of a sexual harassment allegation against a fellow officer. The controversy began to unravel when an audio recording from a May 22 meeting surfaced.

In the recording, Gwinn-Villaroel is heard promoting Major Brian Kuriger. This promotion occurred shortly after Major Shannon Lauder accused Kuriger of sexual harassment.

Lauder’s attorney, Jared Smith, later described Gwinn-Villaroel’s tone in the meeting as “aggressive” and “threatening,” providing a glimpse into the hostile environment.

Smith had been investigating Lauder’s allegations which spanned a duration of four years. These revelations led to further scrutiny of the department, eventually resulting in Gwinn-Villaroel’s suspension.

Lawsuits Multiply as Scandals Unfold

In the aftermath of the suspension, two additional sexual harassment lawsuits were filed against the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD). One lawsuit named Lt. Jeff Lauder, Shannon Lauder’s husband, for allegedly propositioning Sgt. Lauren Carby for sex in 2020, a situation Carby claimed was “encouraged” by Shannon Lauder.

In another lawsuit, Officer Christine Silk accused her field training officer, Justin LeMon, of harassment, which included sending unsolicited nude photos. These allegations further tainted the department’s reputation and placed additional pressure on Gwinn-Villaroel’s leadership.

Consequently, Kuriger, LeMon, and both Lauders were placed on administrative leave pending investigations into their conduct. This mounting legal pressure added to the department's turmoil, exacerbating the already tense situation.

High-Profile PGA Championship Incident

Gwinn-Villaroel faced another major challenge involving professional golfer Scottie Scheffler. During the PGA Championship in May, Scheffler was accused of assaulting a traffic cop. However, the charges were dismissed when video evidence surfaced proving Scheffler’s innocence.

Detective Bryan Gillis, who claimed injury from Scheffler's vehicle, was found to have broken protocol by not having his body camera turned on during the incident. This mishap raised questions about departmental oversight and procedural adherence under Gwinn-Villaroel’s leadership.

Amid the controversy, Gwinn-Villaroel stated that she would “respect the legal process” and let the case “play out,” but this incident further damaged the credibility of her administration.

Mayor Greenberg Condemns Alleged Conduct

Following these developments, Mayor Craig Greenberg announced Gwinn-Villaroel’s resignation and decried the alleged conduct described in the lawsuits. He emphasized the importance of respect within the workplace.

“Everyone should be treated with respect by their colleagues,” Greenberg stated. “And everyone has the responsibility to treat others with respect. That should be true in every workplace.” Greenberg’s remarks highlighted the need for cultural change within the LMPD.

He further labeled the alleged actions as "unacceptable and inexcusable," reflecting the severity of the accusations and the impact on public trust in the department.

Leadership Transition Amid Ongoing Investigations

With Gwinn-Villaroel’s suspension taking effect on June 12, Paul Humphrey was named acting chief. Following her formal resignation, Humphrey was appointed interim chief, marking the fourth temporary leadership change since 2020. This period of instability included several high-profile scandals, such as the tragic police killing of Breonna Taylor in 2020.

Mayor Greenberg assured the public that investigations into the harassment claims are ongoing, signaling an effort to restore order and integrity within the department. "We’ll have to revisit the status moving forward," Gwinn-Villaroel said, reflecting uncertainty about her future within the force.

Gwinn-Villaroel’s brief and tumultuous stint as chief underscored deep-rooted issues within the department. Both her resignation and the pending lawsuits cast a shadow over the LMPD’s efforts to rebuild its image and regain the community’s trust.