UT-01: Eva Lopez Chavez (D) suspended from Salt Lake City Council duties amid sexual misconduct investigation
Salt Lake City Council member Eva Lopez Chavez has been suspended from council duties as her counterparts initiate an investigation over sexual misconduct allegations from multiple people.
The council unanimously approved two resolutions during their formal meeting Tuesday evening to temporarily suspend Lopez Chavez from conducting formal meetings and from her vice chair role at the city’s Community Reinvestment Agency. Lopez Chavez also won’t be able to go on city-related travel or speak on behalf of the council.
The decision comes after four people, including three elected officials, accused Lopez Chavez of restraining them while making unwanted sexual advances, according to The Salt Lake Tribune. Victoria Petro, who serves on the city council alongside Lopez Chavez, is one of the accusers. She abstained from voting on the resolutions.
A working group made up of council members Dan Dugan, Chris Wharton and Erika Carlsen will oversee an investigation of the allegations, the council decided.
https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/05/06/eva-lopez-chavez-suspended-salt-lake-city-council-duties/