SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Council has temporarily removed councilmember Eva Lopez Chavez from some duties as it moves to launch an independent investigation into accusations of inappropriate behavior.
The council voted unanimously Tuesday to have an independent investigator look into the allegations against Lopez Chavez. Both Lopez Chavez and one of her accusers, Victoria Petro, abstained from the vote.
The Salt Lake Tribune previously reported that four people, three of whom are elected officials, accused Lopez Chavez of alleged inappropriate behavior. The three elected officials who accused the councilwoman are Petro, State Representative Hoang Nguyen (D-Salt Lake City), and State Senator Jen Plumb (D-Salt Lake City).
All the accusers said the allegedly inappropriate actions occurred before Lopez Chavez joined the Salt Lake City Council in 2023, and that they had never reported them to police.
In a statement to FOX 13 News, an attorney for Lopez Chavez denied the accusations.
"This is a moment for facts, due process, and accountability," she posted to social media. "I am confident that a full and impartial examination will bring clarity, and I believe the truth will prevail."
