- Salt Lake City Councilwoman Eva Lopez Chavez faces temporary suspension from several duties amid misconduct claims.
- A working group and independent investigator will probe code of conduct violations.
- Lopez denies allegations; investigation to conclude by July.
SALT LAKE CITY — A Salt Lake City councilwoman has been suspended from several duties, including conducting formal meetings, while her colleagues investigate claims of misconduct against her.
The Salt Lake City Council voted late Tuesday to launch a formal investigation into Councilwoman Eva Lopez Chavez, establishing a three-member working group to oversee the probe. An independent investigator will help them search for "any potential violations of the code of conduct."
"It is our intention that the investigation will take place over the coming months and conclude before the end of July," said Councilwoman Sarah Young, who read from a motion sheet. "This timeline may be adjusted as needed based on the investigation or direction of the working group."
Salt Lake City Council Vice Chairwoman Erika Carlsen, as well as members Dan Dugan and Chris Wharton, were named to the working group.
In the meantime, the City Council voted to suspend Lopez from conducting formal meetings, engaging in city-related travel, speaking on behalf of the City Council, and using the city's communications budget to communicate about the investigation while the investigation is underway.
Lopez was also temporarily suspended from her role as vice chair of the Salt Lake City Community Reinvestment Agency's board of directors. The Reinvestment Agency is the city's redevelopment investment arm, overseeing various property and investment holdings. Its board of directors is composed of members of the City Council.
She can still attend, participate and vote in meetings, and communicate with constituents about concerns.
Tuesday's decision comes after the council announced on April 22 it was "actively reviewing" information made available after multiple individuals came forward with allegations that Lopez "engaged in conduct that may constitute sexual harassment."
Five women, including Salt Lake City Councilwoman Victoria Petro and Rep. Hoang Nguyen, D-Salt Lake City, told KSL that they were harassed, assaulted, or made uncomfortable by comments or actions of Lopez. Sen. Jen Plumb, D-Salt Lake City, provided a similar account to the Salt Lake Tribune, as well.
Lopez has denied any wrongdoing, and city officials say no formal complaints have been filed against her since she took office in 2024. She issued a statement on April 23, saying that she supported a "fair and independent" investigation into the allegations.
"I will participate fully in any appropriate review. At the same time, I want to be clear that I deny wrongdoing and will defend myself through the proper process. ... I am sorry for the uncertainty and concern this situation may cause, and I believe it is important that it be handled with care, respect and integrity," she wrote, in part.
City records show that members of the City Council were aware of allegations by at least February. The mayor's office recommended that Lopez not hold one-on-one meetings last month, and the City Council ultimately decided to apply that policy to everyone on the council, multiple officials told KSL.
Petro abstained from both of Tuesday's votes, while Lopez abstained from the suspension vote.
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said she appreciates that the City Council is committed to a thorough but methodical investigation process, as the city hasn't had an investigation like it before.
"I think the investigation needs to happen, and I support those victims and any other potential victims in pursuing the supportive services the city has through (Salt Lake police's victim advocate program), which has no timestamp on it ... and considering any other paths," she said when asked about it Wednesday during a KSL and Deseret News editorial board meeting.
Lopez previously served as a liaison for Mendenhall before she ran for office in 2023. The mayor said she was unaware of any incidents during Lopez's tenure, and "sickened" when she saw the news reports.
"I know these women personally, and I'm proud of them for coming forward," Mendenhall added.
Concerns have also been raised over whether Lopez has moved outside of her district's boundaries, after county records show she purchased a home in Council District 5 last year. She did not respond to requests for comment, and the City Council said last week that attorneys were seeking to determine how to conduct a proper review of the situation.
Lopez, who is up for reelection in 2027, also ran for Congress in Utah's new 1st District boundary. Her campaign ended, however, after she failed to receive enough votes at the Democratic Party's nominating convention on April 25.
