MINOT, N.D.— The mayor of Minot, one of the biggest cities in North Dakota, stepped down following an investigation that revealed he mistakenly sent an inappropriate video to the city attorney.
The resignation of Tom Ross came on Tuesday, coinciding with the release of an investigative report uncovering that Ross sent a video of himself engaging in an explicit act to City Attorney Stefanie Stalheim back in January. The video was sent just moments after a phone conversation between Ross and Stalheim discussing a police officer’s suicide.
The report highlighted that Ross immediately requested Stalheim to delete the video without watching it and to keep the incident confidential. Ross explained to an investigator that the video, intended for his romantic partner, was created during a lunch break at home and was sent to Stalheim accidentally. He described the video as “a sexy video for his girlfriend.”
According to the report, Stalheim found herself conflicted about whether to file a formal report. As Ross was her direct supervisor, and with her yearly review on the horizon, she felt uneasy. Her complaint included a request for an apology from Ross and suggested he step down as mayor.
The investigation concluded that Ross’s actions impeded Stalheim’s ability to work in an environment devoid of undue sexual harassment, thereby cultivating a hostile workplace.
Ross expressed on Wednesday that he assumes full responsibility and upholds Stalheim “in the highest esteem.” He explained his delay in resigning was to “respect the process.” Moving forward, Ross intends to concentrate on personal healing and spending time with his family.
Efforts to reach Stalheim for comments included multiple phone and email messages on Tuesday.
The Minot City Council resolved on Tuesday to appoint a mayor internally from the council within 15 days. This period allows for citizens to file a petition for a special election.
Ross became mayor in 2022, before which he served for two years on the city council. Minot, which is located approximately 50 miles south of the Canadian border, has a population exceeding 47,000 people.