Former Louisville police officer paid $200,000 in settlement over sexual harassment claims

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A former Louisville Metro Police officer was paid $200,000 as part of a settlement with the department over sexual harassment claims.

In June 2024, officer Christine Silk claimed she was sexually harassed by two male supervisors during her first year on the job, with one sending her a picture of his penis. Silk claimed she was inappropriately touched, asked in front of other officers if she had to "whore herself out for childcare," sent inappropriate texts, asked to hug a supervisor who had an erection and told by the same officer to read aloud sexual fantasies he had written about her, among other allegations.

The terms of the settlement were confirmed by Silk's attorney, Sara Collins. Silk resigned from LMPD earlier this month.

"Christine Silk ... reported sexual harassment by her training officer Justin LeMon only after learning that he had sexually harassed members of the community while on the job," Collins said in a written statement Wednesday. "She took an oath to protect and serve. This lawsuit was about accountability and protecting others from a predator. Christine is very pleased that this settlement agreement allowed her to avoid lengthy and painful litigation and provided her an opportunity to move forward and begin a new chapter of her life."

Earlier this year, officer Justin LeMon was terminated for multiple conduct unbecoming violations, according to an April 11 memo from Chief Paul Humphrey. Allegations of harassment and sexual abuse were not sustained. Humphrey reviewed an investigative file that included, among other evidence, body camera video, LeMon's statement and an interview with the victim, Silk.

"You admitted to engaging in these conversations and sending her the picture" while he was on duty and in uniform, the chief wrote. "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 other officer named in the lawsuit was Officer Dale Cottongim, who previously received a reprimand and was transferred out of the training unit, according to a copy of his disciplinary history. After Silk told a female sergeant about the conduct, an internal investigation concluded Cottongim had violated LMPD policy regarding conduct unbecoming and courtesy. He was exonerated on an allegation of sexual harassment.

Upon graduating from the academy, Silk began training with LeMon, who made inappropriate comments and advances toward her, according to the suit.

LeMon brushed against Silk's breasts and attempted to raise her shirt, the suit claims. Another time, while Silk was driving, he allegedly forced her to read a sexual fantasy he had written about her in the notes section of his phone. In addition, LeMon tried to hug Silk while he said he had an erection, telling her to look at it, the suit claimed.

And the lawsuit included texts sent to Silk asking for nude picture and a redacted picture of LeMon's penis.

"I didn't get any type of response last night and was sweating (laugh emoji)," LeMon texted the day after allegedly sending a picture of his penis, according to screen shots in the lawsuit.

While Silk didn't initially file a complaint for fear she would be ostracized by other officers, she worried his conduct would continue with other young female officers and told another officer about the incidents.

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