LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A Louisville Metro Police officer was fired after he sent an explicit image to a female officer he was training, along with engaging in inappropriate sexual conversations. Officer Justin LeMon was terminated for violations of conduct unbecoming, as outlined in an April 11 memo from Police Chief Paul Humphrey. However, allegations of harassment and sexual abuse were not substantiated in the investigation.
The memo, which was reviewed by WDRB News under the open records law, detailed LeMon’s inappropriate behavior, which included sending explicit content while on duty and in uniform. In the document, Chief Humphrey stated, “Your conduct has brought discredit upon the department. I will not tolerate this type of conduct by any member of the Louisville Metro Police Department.” The investigation included body camera footage, LeMon’s statement, and an interview with Officer Christine Silk, the female officer at the center of the allegations.
LeMon’s actions weren’t limited to Silk, as he was also accused of inappropriate behavior with a female confidential informant and other women. While the harassment and sexual abuse allegations were not sustained, the severity of the actions led to his dismissal for violating department conduct policies.
Attorney Sara Collins, who represents Silk, expressed concerns that LeMon’s termination was not accompanied by charges of sexual harassment or sexual abuse, which she believes were warranted given the nature of the allegations. “That’s the appropriate action,” she said, referring to the termination, “but not the appropriate charge.”
In a statement, LeMon’s attorney, Todd Lewis, disagreed with the termination, arguing that sending an explicit image to another officer should not, in and of itself, result in dismissal. “Such circumstances not considered by the Chief include, among other things, the consent of the parties involved, and the overall credibility of the accuser,” Lewis said. “As we understand the situation, under no circumstances has the Chief deemed only one officer’s version of those circumstances to be fully accurate and credible.”
The situation surrounding Silk has deeper roots, as she filed a separate lawsuit against the department last year, claiming sexual harassment by two male supervisors during her first year of service. Officer Dale Cottongim, one of the officers named in Silk’s lawsuit, had allegedly made inappropriate comments and suggestions regarding Silk’s status as a single mother. According to Silk, Cottongim suggested she could “whore herself out of childcare” and other similar derogatory remarks. An internal investigation led to Cottongim being reprimanded and transferred out of the training unit, though he was exonerated of sexual harassment charges.
Silk’s time in the police academy and subsequent training with Officer LeMon was marked by several allegations of misconduct, which she claims were part of a broader pattern of harassment within the department. Among the accusations, Silk claims LeMon brushed against her breasts, attempted to lift her shirt, and sent her sexually explicit texts, including a redacted image of his genitals.
The lawsuit filed by Silk includes claims of retaliation. She alleges that after reporting LeMon’s actions, she was denied a desired assignment and subjected to rumors within the department suggesting a sexual relationship between her and an officer from the same squad. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and unspecified monetary damages.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about misconduct and harassment within the Louisville Metro Police Department. While the department took action against Officer LeMon, the questions surrounding the handling of these allegations—especially regarding the failure to charge him with sexual harassment or sexual abuse—raise concerns about accountability and the protection of whistleblowers within law enforcement.
As Silk continues her legal battle, the case could have broader implications for how sexual harassment claims are managed within police departments, particularly in situations involving officers in positions of authority.
