Judge dismisses case against LMPD couple over so-called 'adult pool party'

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A judge dismissed a case Tuesday against a couple who hosted a pool party that's haunted the Louisville Metro Police Department for nearly five years.

Maj. Mindy Vance filed a lawsuit last October against the River City Fraternal Order of Police, its former president Ryan Nichols, Lt. Jeff Lauder and former Maj. Shannon Lauder for defamation and abuse of process.

The lawsuit claims the Lauders and Nichols conspired together in a lawsuit aimed at covering up and shutting down a sexual harassment investigation.

The case centers around a pool party hosted by the Lauders in the summer of 2020. Jeff Lauder was accused of propositioning an officer, who his wife supervised, for sex.

Vance headed the LMPD Peer Support Team and filed a lawsuit, claiming the union and the Lauders falsely claimed she broke confidentiality and prompted an investigation into the incident.

A judge dismissed the Lauders from the case Tuesday. It is still pending against the police union and Nichols, its former president.

LMPD recently cleared Shannon Lauder in the pool party investigation and she retired. Her husband Jeff Lauder served a suspension.

There are at least two lawsuits pending from the 2020 pool party.

Previous Coverage:

Investigation into so-called LMPD 'adult pool' party thrown by commanders prompts discipline

LMPD major accuses union president, 2 colleagues of covering up sexual harassment investigation

Investigation finds former LMPD's chief's conduct 'unbecoming' in handling of sex harassment allegation

Louisville police major cleared of sexual harassment allegations that prompted resignation of chief

Louisville police officer whose sexual harassment claim prompted chief's resignation files lawsuit

LMPD officer claims FOP wrongly blocked investigation of misconduct at 'adult pool party'

Louisville police chief said she leaves with 'heavy heart' after mayor asked for her resignation

LAWSUIT: LMPD officer sexually harassed at 'adult pool party' by superiors in open marriage