Mayor Harassment Lawsuit

St. Paul Police Chief Sues Mayor, Alleging Harassment and Retaliation

St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry sued Mayor Kaohly Her and the city, alleging months of sexual harassment, unwanted physical contact, inappropriate remarks, retaliation and violations of Minnesota whistleblower, human-rights and data-practices laws. The lawsuit claims Her twice placed her hand on Henry’s upper thigh during a police budget meeting, made sexual innuendos, proposed a relationship in a way he interpreted as tied to his job, and engaged in other inappropriate acts, including altering images in his office. Henry is seeking more than $50,000 on each of six counts, including a battery claim against Her, and a jury trial. He also alleges city officials sought to discredit him after he reported Her’s conduct and released only a sanitized summary of the investigation; his attorney is seeking release of the full report, which remains confidential. An independent city investigation found Her engaged in offensive and inappropriate behavior and created an uncomfortable work environment but did not substantiate sexual-harassment or retaliation claims. Her acknowledged crossing workplace boundaries, said she would follow the investigation’s recommendations, and declined further comment through her office, while Henry’s attorney said the allegations should be fully examined in court.

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