Louisville Police Chief Resigns Amid Shocking Controversy Involving World No. 1 Golfer Scottie Scheffler

In a stunning turn of events, Louisville Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel has resigned following a series of high-profile controversies that have rocked the department. Gwinn-Villaroel, who was recently suspended for mishandling a sexual harassment claim, submitted her resignation this week.

The latest controversy comes on the heels of the department’s mishandling of a case involving world No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler. Scheffler was shockingly arrested during the PGA Championship in May and charged with second-degree assault of a police officer. The arrest occurred as he attempted to enter Valhalla, leading to his detention and subsequent felony charge. The charges were later dropped, but the incident left a significant mark on the department’s reputation.

Gwinn-Villaroel’s resignation makes her the third full-time Louisville police chief to resign or be fired since 2020. The department has been in a state of turmoil since the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor during a botched drug raid that year, resulting in a revolving door of leadership.

Adding to the department’s troubles, two female officers recently filed lawsuits alleging they were sexually harassed by fellow officers. Mayor Craig Greenberg condemned the alleged conduct, calling it “unacceptable and inexcusable.”

“Everyone should be treated with respect by their colleagues,” Greenberg stated. “And everyone has the responsibility to treat others with respect. That should be true in every workplace.”

Gwinn-Villaroel’s suspension was linked to her mishandling of a complaint brought by Major Shannon Lauder against a fellow officer. During a May command staff meeting, Lauder reported the harassment, but it is claimed that Gwinn-Villaroel promoted Major Brian Kuriger to lieutenant colonel just one minute after the accusation was made.

With Gwinn-Villaroel’s resignation, Paul Humphrey, who had been serving as acting chief since her suspension on June 12, has been named interim chief. He is the fourth interim chief since 2020.

Mayor Greenberg did not provide details on whether Gwinn-Villaroel was asked to resign but did indicate that the department would improve sexual harassment training procedures. He also mentioned changes to the policy requiring harassment complaints to go through the officer’s chain of command, allowing for alternative reporting options. Officers found violating the sexual harassment policy could face termination.

For now, the search for a new full-time chief has been put on hold. Gwinn-Villaroel had joined the Louisville department from Atlanta in 2021 and was named full-time chief in July 2023.

Stay tuned as this story continues to develop, with potential implications for the Louisville Police Department and the broader community.