A North Dakota Mayor Resigns After Texting Nude Video of Himself to City Attorney

Tom Ross, former mayor of Minot, N.D.

Tom Ross, the former mayor of Minot, North Dakota, has resigned following an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment. The incident in question occurred on January 14, when Ross sent an explicit nude video to Minot City Attorney Stefanie Stalheim.

The exchange took place shortly after a phone call between the two officials regarding the suicide of a police officer who was under investigation at the time. Ross later claimed that the video was meant for his girlfriend and was sent to Stalheim by mistake. He also stated that he immediately asked her not to open the video and to delete it. However, the thumbnail of the video was graphic, and Stalheim saw it when she went to delete the message.

Two weeks after the incident, Stalheim filed a formal complaint against Ross. The complaint argued that his actions were reckless, particularly given his role as mayor, which involved "increased visibility, responsibility, and trust." It further criticized his decision to use a personal device to conduct city business while also recording explicit material.

"He knew the risk he was taking by engaging in such behavior," the complaint stated. It requested a formal apology from Ross and urged him to consider resigning.

Ross expressed regret over the incident but maintained that it was an accident. He stated that he had never engaged in sexual harassment in the workplace and wished for the matter to be handled internally rather than publicly.

The investigation ultimately concluded that Ross’ actions met the city’s definition of workplace harassment. His resignation came just before the Minot City Council was set to discuss the investigation’s findings on April 2.