St. Paul Police Chief Sues Mayor for Sexual Harassment

St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry filed a civil lawsuit in Ramsey County District Court against Mayor Kaohly Her and the City of St. Paul, alleging sexual harassment, battery, and professional retaliation. The complaint claims Mayor Her repeatedly touched Henry's thigh during budget meetings, made sexual innuendos about his anatomy, and referred to herself as a "MILF." Henry further alleges that Her made orgasm-like noises in the police gym and placed framed, photoshopped images of officers' faces on shirtless bodybuilders with prominent bulges in his office.

Henry alleges the city retaliated against him after he reported the behavior by sidelining him from personnel decisions and withholding records. He is seeking compensatory damages exceeding $50,000 and the full release of an internal investigation report. In response to the legal conflict, Mayor Her's office requested that the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office replace the St. Paul Police Department as her security provider, citing threats of political violence.

Spokesperson Matt Wagenius denied the primary allegations, noting that an independent investigation did not substantiate claims of sexual harassment or retaliation. However, that probe did find that Her engaged in "offensive and inappropriate behavior" with employees, leading the mayor to issue two apologies. Attorney Chris Madel stated that Henry came forward because the behavior was wrong and expressed a desire to prove the allegations in court rather than relying on a city-written summary.