Salt Lake City Council member Eva Lopez Chavez has been removed from her position following findings that she failed to maintain a residence in her district, according to a news release from the Salt Lake City Recorder.
The announcement follows a period of suspension for Lopez Chavez, which began last week during a harassment investigation.
An investigation conducted by the Office of the City Attorney determined that during her time as a council member, Lopez Chavez did not maintain a primary place of residence within District Four. The investigation further found that she established a primary residence outside of that district.
According to the Salt Lake City Recorder, Utah Code 10-3-301(5)(b) mandates that an elected municipal office becomes automatically vacant if the official establishes a primary residence outside their represented district. Upon receiving a memo with these findings, the City Recorder notified Lopez Chavez that her seat for District Four has been vacated by operation of law.
The loss of her seat follows a unanimous vote by the Salt Lake City Council on Tuesday, May 5, to suspend Lopez Chavez pending investigation results. This action was taken following reports published by The Salt Lake Tribune involving accusations from four women regarding inappropriate behavior.
The allegations, which reportedly occurred before Lopez Chavez joined the council, described sexually suggestive and aggressive conduct. In a statement released in late April, the Salt Lake City Council noted they were taking the allegations seriously to uphold a safe and accountable environment.
