LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Editor's note: Scroll to the bottom of this story to view the entire investigative report.
An investigative report released Friday by Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg states former Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel violated department policy prior to resigning her position.
Gwinn-Villaroel was placed on paid administrative leave June 12 after questions surfaced regarding her handling of a sexual harassment complaint. She submitted her resignation 13 days later.
According to a letter sent from Greenberg to Gwinn-Villaroel dated Sept. 19, the investigation substantiated a violation of LMPD Standard Operating Procedure 5.1.4, which relates to conduct unbecoming:
"On June 10, 2024, an investigation was initiated to determine whether you violated any policies, regulations or laws with respect to your handling of and response to the allegations made by Major Shannon Lauder against Major Brian Kuriger during a Command Staff meeting held on May 22, 2024. The investigation was assigned to and conducted by outside counsel David J. Beyer of Pence Legal, PLLC under a contract with the Jefferson County Attorney's Office. Based on my review of the investigative report issued by Mr. Beyer, the following reflects my concurrence with the recommendations of the investigative report with respect to your conduct and my final action regarding this matter."
A separate investigation eventually cleared Kuriger of any wrongdoing.
Greenberg also released a statement Friday on the investigative report into the former chief's conduct:
“Between updating and clarifying sexual harassment definitions, to establishing new reporting options and mandatory staff trainings, LMPD has taken meaningful steps to ensure employees who allege sexual harassment receive more support. I want to thank Mr. Beyer for completing a thorough and independent investigation. I accept his findings and I consider this matter closed.”
Lauder made an accusation against Kuriger during a meeting in which several other members of LMPD were present. Gwinn-Villaroel proceeded with her agenda for the meeting, which included running through a list of promotions, rather than stopping the meeting and immediately opening an investigation.
Lauder told investigators she felt "humiliated" by the way the former chief conducted herself and was made to feel her allegations were not being taken seriously.
"The Chief’s handling of the situation was certainly not a best practice as everyone interviewed stated," a passage from the report states.
According to the report, command staff told investigators they were "perplexed" at Gwinn-Villaroel's actions and questioned why she didn't pause the meeting once allegations were made.
"The Chief’s reaction to the allegations and the way she handled the matter within the meeting adversely affected the morale of the department, adversely affected or lowered the public’s respect and confidence in the department which is a clear violation LMPS Standard Operating Procedures Section 5.1.4," the report states.
Gwinn-Villaroel defended her actions to investigators.
"I proceeded on because my agenda, which nobody else would know my agenda because I called the emergency meeting, was to inform everybody on who were the individuals slated as a candidate for promotion," she said during an interview with an investigator. "Let me be clear. And this is the narrative that the community did not have. Nobody was promoted there. They were slated to be promoted and the only person that has the authority to swear them in and for final approval is the mayor."
The report states between the former chief's resignation and negative media coverage regarding the situation, no additional disciplinary action was necessary.
LMPD released the following statement Friday:
“LMPD has received the findings of the investigation conducted by Mr. Beyer. We understand and take seriously the recommendations he has made, and the department will act upon them accordingly. LMPD remains committed to continuous improvement and implementing changes which will move the department forward in the best interest of those we protect and serve.”
You can read the full report below. Mobile users, click here for the best experience.