Louisville Metro Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel resigns amid sexual harassment lawsuits

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Less than a year after accepting the position, Louisville Metro Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel has resigned. According to ABC affiliate WHAS, her resignation comes as the department faces several sexual harassment lawsuits that occurred under her watch.

Gwinn-Villaroel had been on paid administrative leave since the lawsuits came to light, pending ongoing investigations. She joined the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) in 2021 and was appointed deputy chief under former Chief Erika Shields. Her appointment was historic, making her the first Black woman to lead the department.

In her absence, Mayor Craig Greenberg announced that LMPD veteran Paul Humphrey will serve as the interim chief.