Investigation into St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her Over Harassment Allegations

St. Paul, Minnesota Mayor Kaohly Her faces an investigation following a harassment complaint filed by Police Chief Axel Henry. Henry claims the mayor sexually harassed city employees, including police officers, and sent lewd comments via text messages. Mayor Her acknowledged her humor attempts didn’t land, and she has expressed willingness to cooperate with the independent investigation.

According to a lawsuit, Mayor Her made explicit sexual comments, including referring to herself as a ‘MILF’ and making remarks about genitalia. Police Chief Axel Henry, serving since 2022, claims he experienced inappropriate comments, unwanted physical contact, and harassment from Her. The lawsuit alleges Her placed her hand on Henry’s upper thigh during a budget meeting. These allegations have been captured in a detailed 73-page complaint.

Additionally, it is reported that Her confided in Chief Henry about personal marital issues, insisting on a close relationship for collaboration between them. She allegedly frequented the police department gym when Henry was present and referred to him and others as ‘beefy,’ simulating an orgasm during workouts.

During an awards ceremony, Her reportedly joked about the abbreviation ‘MFF’ on a ribbon Henry was wearing, suggesting it could be ‘MILF.’ Another alleged incident involved Her threatening to tell people Henry ‘grabbed her a–‘ if a decision on the police station relocation didn’t go her way.

The lawsuit cites an encounter at a cigar lounge where Her met Chief Henry and St. Paul Port Authority President Todd Hurley. Henry alleges retaliatory actions from Her involving exclusion from strategic decisions, withholding records, and releasing a summary of the investigation that downplayed his concerns.

Her’s office, referencing the findings from the investigation, stated that claims of harassment or retaliation weren’t substantiated. ‘The mayor will continue to lead Saint Paul and follow the recommendations of the report,’ the statement mentioned while noting that the city doesn’t comment on active litigation.

This month, Her transferred her police department security detail to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office. Efforts to reach Mayor Her’s office for comments are ongoing.