Lori Chavez-deremer’s husband barred from Labor Department headquarters

The husband of Labor Secretary lori chavez-deremer has been barred from entering the department’s headquarters after at least two female staff members said he touched them inappropriately; a police report filed Jan. 24 references forced sexual contact tied to an incident on Dec. 18 and security-camera footage has been reviewed as part of an ongoing criminal investigation.

Lori Chavez-deremer’s husband barred from building access

Dr. Shawn DeRemer, identified in internal inquiries as a frequent visitor to his wife’s Washington offices, has been restricted from the Labor Department’s main building. After the women described incidents to investigators, a building restriction notice directed that if Mr. DeRemer attempts to enter he is to be asked to leave. The restriction followed allegations from at least two female staff that he had touched them inappropriately inside the department.

Officials handling the matter have placed administrative limitations on his access while criminal and internal inquiries proceed. Dr. DeRemer, described in records as a 57-year-old anesthesiologist based in Portland, did not respond to a request for comment in the materials reviewed. A representative involved in the department’s internal inquiry declined to comment in the available accounts.

Police report and security footage examined

Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department filed a report on Jan. 24 that references an incident at the department on Dec. 18 and characterizes the allegation as sexual contact against a complainant’s will. The police department’s sexual assault unit is investigating, and the report tied to the department’s address was the only such report from the last three months in that record set.

One of the alleged incidents took place during working hours on the morning of Dec. 18 and was captured on office security cameras. The recorded footage reportedly shows an extended embrace and was reviewed by investigators as part of the criminal inquiry. Where formal charges may be pursued will depend on the outcomes of the ongoing police investigation and any determinations by prosecutors.

Inspector general inquiry expands inside department

The allegations involving Dr. DeRemer emerged alongside a broader inspector general inquiry into alleged misconduct by the secretary and senior staff. In January, staff concerns about Dr. DeRemer were raised as part of that internal investigation. The widening review has placed several aides and members of the secretary’s security staff on administrative or investigative leave.

The inspector general’s office is also examining a formal complaint that the secretary engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a subordinate and abused her office by taking staff to strip clubs, drinking on the job and using taxpayer funds for personal trips. Legal representatives for the secretary have denied those particular allegations. If the inspector general’s inquiry substantiates wrongdoing, the department could pursue additional administrative actions against involved staff.

Key takeaways

• At least two female staff allege inappropriate touching by Dr. Shawn DeRemer inside the Labor Department building.
• A police report filed Jan. 24 references forced sexual contact tied to an incident on Dec. 18; the MPD sexual assault unit is investigating.
• Internal inspector general inquiries into related misconduct have led to administrative leaves for multiple aides and security personnel.

What happens next will depend on the criminal investigation’s findings and the inspector general’s determinations. If investigators establish policy or legal violations, additional personnel actions and possible referrals for prosecution could follow. The developing inquiries will be central to how the department manages workplace safety and internal discipline going forward.