Lori Chavez-deremer’s Husband Barred From Labor Department After Sexual Assault Allegations
lori chavez-deremer’s husband has been barred from the Labor Department’s headquarters after at least two female staff members said he touched them inappropriately inside the agency’s Washington building, prompting a police investigation and internal review that have widened scrutiny of the secretary’s office.
Lori Chavez-DeRemer office faces inspector general probe
The development follows staff complaints and a formal police report that identified an incident of forced sexual contact in December at the department’s main building. One encounter in the workplace was captured on office security cameras and was reviewed as part of a criminal investigation. After the complaints were raised, building officials issued a restriction notice barring Dr. Shawn DeRemer from entering the premises; staff were instructed to ask him to leave if he attempted to enter.
The department’s inspector general opened a broader inquiry that has already placed several aides and members of the secretary’s security detail on administrative and investigative leave. That internal probe includes allegations that the secretary engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate and that staff were exposed to abusive on-the-job conduct, including drinking during work hours and personal trips charged to taxpayers. Legal counsel for the secretary has denied those specific allegations.
Allegations against Dr. Shawn DeRemer and ongoing criminal inquiry
At least two women told investigators that Dr. Shawn DeRemer touched them inappropriately while visiting his wife’s offices in Washington. One incident was said to have occurred during working hours on the morning of Dec. 18 and was captured on security footage that investigators reviewed. A police report dated later in January documents a complaint about forced sexual contact that traces back to the December incident, and the city’s sexual assault unit is handling the investigation.
Accounts differ about whether Dr. Shawn DeRemer has publicly denied the allegations or declined to comment when asked. He is identified in departmental materials as an anesthesiologist based in Portland, Oregon, who frequently visited his wife’s Washington office.
Implications for the department and what’s next
The allegations involving departmental visitors and the separate inspector general inquiry into the secretary’s conduct have intensified scrutiny of workplace culture and leadership at the agency. Staffing actions already taken — including placing aides and security staff on leave — reflect the immediate operational consequences of the reviews and investigations.
Investigations remain active and procedural steps are ongoing. The police sexual assault unit is pursuing its criminal inquiry tied to the reported December incident, and the inspector general continues to examine formal complaints related to workplace misconduct. Observers should expect follow-up developments as investigators complete evidence reviews and administrative processes proceed.
lori chavez-deremer’s confirmation and tenure were noted in connection with the broader personnel changes and controversies highlighted by the internal review. The secretary was nominated late in the prior year and confirmed the following March; before joining the cabinet she served in Congress and lost a re-election bid. During her time leading the department, a significant number of employees have left federal service, and the department’s communications have drawn additional scrutiny.
Because investigations are active, details may evolve. Journalistic and oversight updates are likely as law enforcement and the inspector general continue their work and as administrative decisions about staff and access to department facilities are finalized.
