07/31/2026
Sheila Engelmeier Talks Workplace Texting and Harassment Investigations on FOX 9
Employment attorney Sheila Engelmeier was recently interviewed by FOX 9 as part of the station's coverage of an ongoing investigation involving St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her. The story centers on allegations that the mayor made inappropriate and sexual comments toward the city's police chief and other city employees — allegations that are still under investigation, with no findings released as of this writing.
While Sheila did not comment on the specifics of the mayor's case, she used the moment to highlight a principle that comes up again and again in workplace investigations: text messages and other informal communications are not off the record just because they weren't sent through a work email account.
"It's Just as if People Think Text Isn't Real"
As Sheila explained to FOX 9, a common misconception is that a text message sent after hours, or one that feels casual and personal, exists in some kind of separate space from a person's professional conduct. In reality, if the message involves a colleague, it can become part of a workplace investigation, regardless of the hour it was sent or the device used to send it.
Her advice applies broadly, not just to elected officials or executives: avoid putting anything in writing to a colleague — by text, email, or any messaging app — that you wouldn't want read back to you in a workplace investigation. That standard applies across personal phones, tablets, and any other device used to communicate with coworkers or about work related issues.
Why This Matters for Employers and Employees Alike
Cases like this one are a useful reminder that workplace harassment investigations increasingly reach beyond the traditional paper trail. Text messages, direct messages, and other digital communications are now routinely part of the evidence gathered in these matters, a reality that applies to organizations of every size, not just city government.
Preservation Obligation
And it is not just as simple as – OK; now that I know all these devices and apps could get me in trouble if there is a dispute, I’ll just go delete all the inappropriate messages I sent. There are also obligations to preserve relevant evidence at the point at which one knows that there could be litigation regarding an issue.
If you or your organization is navigating a harassment complaint, our employment law team is here to help.
You can watch Sheila's full interview and read more about the story on FOX 9.
The mayor of St. Paul is facing an investigation after being accused of making inappropriate and sexual comments toward the city’s police chief and staff.
