'We will do more': Greenberg says LMPD will face reforms over sexual harassment claims

Mayor Craig Greenberg says Louisville Metro Police will soon see a slate of changes aimed at supporting victims and transforming the department's culture, after three separate claims of sexual harassment were made public over the past two weeks.

"Clearly, the reforms that we have been working on were not enough in this area, and we will do more," Greenberg said at a media briefing Thursday afternoon.

According to Greenberg, changes are expected to be related to LMPD's procedures for sexual harassment allegations, investigations, discipline, training and victim support.

Details of these changes will be announced within the next few days, Greenberg said, and "everything is on the table" when it comes to potential reforms.

Two lawsuits have been filed this week alleging sexual harassment within the department, which Greenberg called "incredibly upsetting and difficult to read."

LMPD officer Christine Silk filed a lawsuit Tuesday, alleging sexual harassment by two male officers, including one she says sent her unwanted photos of his genitals after she rebuffed his romantic advances.

Another officer, Sgt. Lauren Carby, filed a lawsuit Thursday accusing Lt. Jeff Lauder of propositioning her for sex at a pool party in 2020 with the encouragement of his wife, Maj. Shannon Lauder.

The lawsuits were filed in the wake of the recent suspension of Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel over her handling of a third claim of sexual harassment between two officers.

At the time, Greenberg did not identified the officers involved in the claim that led to the chief's suspension. But an attorney for Shannon Lauder linked it to a May 22 meeting in which his client voiced concerns about working with Maj. Brian Kuriger, who she said had sexually harassed and "attacked" her.

Greenberg confirmed Kuriger was overseeing an internal investigation into the allegations that Carby made against the Lauders.

At the media briefing, Greenberg was asked about Gwinn-Villaroel's future as chief.

"I'm learning more by the hour, more by the day. As I said, everything is on the table. Decisive action will be taken," Greenberg said. "We need to make significant changes to the way LMPD handles investigations, discipline, training, victim support. We need to consider the leadership of all parts of LMPD."

Reach reporter Rachel Smith at rksmith@courierjournal.com or @RachelSmithNews on X, formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: LMPD to face reforms over sexual harassment allegations, Mayor says