The city manager of Kansas City, Doug Gerber, has been suspended after a video allegedly showing him masturbating on a couch was sent to staff members. The explicit video, which appeared to have been filmed by Gerber himself, was sent from an anonymous email account with the subject line “MOST IMPORTANT”. It is unclear who sent the video and how they obtained it.
According to the New York Post, Gerber is expected to be fired following the incident. However, a city IT employee believes that this is the work of a disturbed individual attempting to cause trouble for the city. Meanwhile, the anonymous sender of the video claimed that their intention was to expose Gerber’s online behavior.
Shawnee Mayor Michelle Distler expressed that she was not surprised by the scandal due to concerns about Gerber’s behavior in his previous job. Council president Eric Jenkins revealed that Gerber had been investigated for previous rumors of impropriety before being hired, but the consultant leading the job search found nothing concerning in his background.
Under state law, Gerber could potentially be considered a victim since the sharing of sexual material without permission is prohibited. However, the city council unanimously voted to place Gerber on administrative leave in an emergency meeting. Jenkins expressed disappointment in Gerber’s lack of communication regarding the incident and questioned what else he may have failed to communicate about.
Three city council candidates have issued a joint statement, calling for an investigation into Gerber’s actions and those of the city council during the month after the video was initially shared. Gerber himself has chosen not to comment on the scandal, stating that it is not in the city’s best interest at this time.
