Mayor Tom Ross of Minot stepped down Tuesday following the public release of an investigative report that detailed the shocking incident.
According to The Associated Press, the video in question was a sexually explicit clip Ross mistakenly sent to City Attorney Stefanie Stalheim in January—just minutes after a serious phone call about a police officer’s suicide. Ross reportedly intended to send the video to his girlfriend, but the message was accidentally delivered to Stalheim instead.
What We Know: Mayor Sent Explicit Video to City Attorney by Mistake
The now-resigned mayor admitted to sending the video from his home during his lunch break. In an interview, Ross confessed that he realized the mistake immediately and told Stalheim not to watch it, urging her to delete it and keep the incident between them. But for City Attorney Stefanie Stalheim, the situation was far from simple. As Ross’ direct supervisor, she hesitated to make a formal complaint, especially with her annual performance review pending.
According to her official complaint, she asked Ross for a formal apology and stated that he should consider resigning over the incident. The story gained traction quickly after the investigative report was made public, sparking outrage and debates around workplace power dynamics and harassment.
Power Dynamics and Public Accountability: Why This Story Hit So Hard
What makes this story especially disturbing is the power imbalance involved. Stalheim noted that because Ross had direct authority over her employment status, she was placed in an extremely vulnerable position.
In a statement shared with the public, Ross said he wanted to focus on his family and begin moving forward. This resignation comes as local governments across the country are facing increasing scrutiny over ethical conduct, particularly where gender and authority overlap.
Meanwhile, the city of Minot is searching for a replacement while continuing to address the fallout.
Conclusion: North Dakota Mayor Resigns After Accidentally Sending Explicit Video to City Attorney—A Costly Mistake
A North Dakota mayor has resigned after accidentally sending an explicit video to the city attorney. This incident is both embarrassing and a warning to others. It reveals the power imbalances in professional workplaces and shows the need for safe ways to report issues in local government.