“I made this decision following concerns recently brought to my attention regarding how Chief Gwinn-Villaroel handled a workplace sexual harassment allegation involving LMPD officers,” Greenberg said.
Greenberg made clear the sexual harassment allegation does not personally involve Gwinn-Villaroel, but her handling of the allegation once it was reported to her.
The workplace sexual harassment allegation involving LMPD officers is being investigated through an independent investigation. Attorney and retired FBI agent David Beyer will conduct the investigation. Beyer is an attorney independent of Louisville Metro government.
“This situation is especially concerning given that just last March, the United States Department of Justice raised serious concerns about LMPD’s handling of sexual misconduct allegations,” Greenberg said. “I will not tolerate sexual misconduct in Louisville Metro government, including in LMPD.”
As a result of this decision, LMPD Deputy Chief Paul Humphrey has been named as the new acting police chief of LMPD. Humphrey has served the community through LMPD for 18 years, and is responsible for creating LMPD’s new Accountability and Improvement Bureau.
“To the men and women of LMPD and every Louisvillian, I’m committed to moving this department forward during this time,” Humphrey said. “You deserve the best from your leadership, and I will ensure that we will provide that. LMPD takes allegations of sexual misconduct very seriously, as we do with all misconduct allegations. LMPD will continue to provide support and guidance to officers. They do outstanding work each day keeping us safe.”
Humphrey says LMPD will fully cooperate with Buyer during this investigation.
“We will treat this process with the seriousness it deserves, and respect the conclusions the independent investigation will find and the decisions the mayor makes as the result,” Humphrey said. “We will not let this be a distraction.”
By Julia Huffman, WAVE.com
