St. Paul Police Chief Files Lawsuit Against Mayor, Alleges Sexual Harassment and Retaliation

St. Paul, Minnesota, Police Chief Axel Henry has filed a comprehensive lawsuit against Mayor Kaohly Her, alleging a pattern of explicit sexual remarks, inappropriate physical contact, and a sustained campaign of harassment and retaliation. Henry, who has led the city's police department since 2022, detailed numerous incidents in the 73-page complaint.

Allegations of Inappropriate Conduct

The lawsuit claims that Mayor Her made multiple sexually charged comments, including one instance where she referred to herself as a “MILF” and made suggestive remarks concerning Chief Henry's genitalia. The complaint further alleges that Her engaged in unwanted physical contact, such as placing her hand on Henry's upper thigh beneath a conference table during a budget discussion.

According to the legal filing, Her reportedly confided in the chief about difficulties in her marriage, telling him that they “needed to be friends” or “this was not going to work,” and stressing the importance of a “close relationship.”

Further allegations include Her frequently visiting the police department gym when she knew Henry was present. During these visits, she reportedly referred to Henry and other employees as “beefy” and “simulated an orgasm” while exercising near them. At an awards ceremony, where Henry wore a Mobile Field Force ribbon (abbreviated “MFF”), Her allegedly inquired about the letters' meaning, then responded, “Oh, I thought it said MILF so maybe I could get one.”

The lawsuit also describes an incident in December when Henry, Her, and St. Paul Port Authority President Todd Hurley met at a cigar lounge to discuss relocating the downtown police station. During this meeting, Her allegedly threatened to tell people the chief “grabbed her a--” if her demands were not met. In February, the complaint states that Her unexpectedly appeared at a golf simulator in Woodbury, Minnesota, where Henry and a colleague were using personal vacation time. Upon her arrival, Her reportedly stated she “had to come like this because you guys wouldn’t invite me,” and remained for approximately 20 minutes.

Claims of Retaliation

After Chief Henry submitted an internal complaint regarding the mayor's behavior, the lawsuit contends that Her and her administration “embarked on a campaign to retaliate against and discredit Chief Henry.” Henry asserts that city officials subsequently excluded him from key decisions, withheld requested documents, and released a “sanitized” two-page summary of an independent investigation to minimize her alleged misconduct.

“An independent investigation did not substantiate claims of sexual harassment or retaliation against any city employee,” a statement from Her’s office indicated. “The Mayor will continue to lead Saint Paul and follow the recommendations of the report. Beyond that, the City of Saint Paul doesn’t comment on active litigation.”

Earlier this month, Mayor Her officially transferred her personal security detail and driver services from the St. Paul Police Department to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office.