Isanti, Minnesota Mayor Luke Merrill is facing accusations of filming an explicit video of a woman without her consent in 2020 and subsequently texting the local police chief to request corrections to a police report. The woman, identified as resident Denea Donovan, stated that Merrill recorded her and other females in "bra sieres and bottom pants" on Snapchat during a bonfire at his parents' home. She alleges that she was intoxicated and did not give consent for the recording.
Donovan discovered the video months later through a shared Facebook Messenger file. According to the police report, the video showed partial nudity. The city attorney's office did not pursue charges because the statute of limitations had passed. However, after the report was filed, Merrill allegedly contacted Isanti Police Chief Travis Muyres via text message to discuss what he called "factual inaccuracies" in the report, specifically concerning the exposure of the woman's breasts. He expressed concern that the report could be "weaponized" against him and claimed the wording was inaccurate.
Muyres reportedly responded that the report indicated only a "part" of the woman's breast was exposed and denied any factual inaccuracies. Merrill was then offered the opportunity to add his own statement to the report, which he declined. The exchange between Merrill and Muyres was described by Isanti County Sheriff Wayne Seiberlich as "inappropriate and unethical," though Seiberlich stated he did not believe Merrill violated criminal code.
Merrill has publicly denied the allegations, characterizing the incident as "Young, dumb & stupid at a bonfire." He stated on social media that the case was dropped and that the report was filed for political reasons, aiming to prevent his re-election. He also accused a woman named Sheryl Davidson, who reportedly accompanied Donovan to give a statement, of orchestrating a "political hit piece." Merrill further claimed that no actual nudity occurred, with only "cleavage" being visible in the video, which he stated he deleted the following morning after being asked. He also defended his communication with Chief Muyres, citing city practice for elected officials to communicate with department heads, not subordinate officers.
Merrill, who previously served as interim mayor, won a special election last year and is currently running for re-election in November. He has been in a relationship since 2022.