Investigation Initiated Against St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her Over Harassment Allegations
Background and Allegations
St. Paul, Minnesota, Mayor Kaohly Her is the subject of an investigation following harassment allegations made by Police Chief Axel Henry. The complaint includes claims that Her engaged in sexual harassment of city employees, including explicit and inappropriate comments via text messages.
Henry asserts that the mayor’s attempt at humor was inappropriate and confirms cooperation with the independent investigation.
Details of the Complaint
A lawsuit filed by Chief Henry describes numerous incidents where Mayor Her allegedly made explicit sexual remarks, innuendos about body parts, and sought to retaliate against him. The complaint spans 73 pages and details various inappropriate interactions.
One specific allegation involves Her referring to herself as a “MILF” and making suggestive comments about Henry’s genitalia. Another accusation includes unwanted physical contact during a budget meeting where Her allegedly placed her hand on Henry’s upper thigh.
Additional Allegations
The lawsuit further claims Her frequently visited the police department gym intending to encounter Henry, using terms like “beefy” to describe him and others. It accuses Her of simulating an orgasm near employees while exercising.
An incident at an awards ceremony is highlighted in the complaint, suggesting Her misinterpreted a Mobile Field Force ribbon (MFF) and commented on possibly wanting one if it was a “MILF” ribbon.
Interactions Affecting Professional Relations
During a December meeting at a cigar lounge, Her allegedly threatened to falsely accuse the chief of improper conduct if her demands were not fulfilled. Furthermore, Her reportedly intruded on Henry and a colleague’s personal time at a golf simulator, claiming she showed up because she was not invited.
Henry claims a retaliatory campaign followed his internal complaint against Her, with city officials allegedly excluding him from decisions and withholding records.
Mayor’s Office Response
The office of Mayor Her countered the allegations, stating an independent investigation found no substantiation for claims of sexual harassment or retaliation. The mayor vowed to continue leading Saint Paul and adhere to the report’s recommendations while declining to comment on ongoing litigation.
Her has since reassigned her security detail from the St. Paul Police Department to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office.