Feds Decline to Charge Labor Secretary's Husband in Sexual Assault Probe

Prosecutors say video evidence does not indicate a crime, despite allegations from two female staffers.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Federal authorities have declined to charge the husband of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer with crimes related to the alleged sexual assault of two female staffers at the Department of Labor headquarters in Washington, DC. At least one of the alleged incidents was captured on office security camera footage, but prosecutors and federal investigators determined there was no evidence of criminal wrongdoing.

Why it matters

The decision not to charge Dr. Shawn DeRemer comes amid a broader investigation into allegations of a 'hostile' work environment and other misconduct within the Labor Department under Secretary Chavez-DeRemer's leadership. The case has raised questions about accountability and workplace safety at the highest levels of the federal government.

The details

According to sources, at least one of the alleged incidents occurred when Dr. DeRemer was caught on an office security camera giving a prolonged hug to one of the women last December. However, prosecutors in the DC US Attorney's Office and the Federal Protective Service have both declined to pursue charges after reviewing the video footage, stating there was no indication of a crime. The two female staffers had alleged sexual misconduct amid a broader probe into the 'hostile' work environment under Secretary Chavez-DeRemer and her senior aides.

  • In December 2025, Dr. DeRemer was caught on office security camera footage giving a prolonged hug to one of the female staffers.
  • On January 24, 2026, a DC police detective opened an investigation into allegations that an unidentified female employee was 'forced into sexual contact against her will'.
  • On February 5, 2026, DC police visited the Labor Department's offices as part of their investigation.

The players

Lori Chavez-DeRemer

The current U.S. Secretary of Labor, who is facing a broader investigation into allegations of misconduct within the department.

Dr. Shawn DeRemer

The husband of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who was accused of sexually assaulting two female staffers but was not charged by federal authorities.

Jeanine Pirro

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, whose office declined to file charges against Dr. DeRemer.

Anthony D'Esposito

The Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Labor, who is leading the investigation into allegations of misconduct within the department.

Chuck Grassley

The Republican Senator from Iowa who is the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is also investigating Secretary Chavez-DeRemer's conduct.

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What they’re saying

“Based upon the evidence presented to this office in relation to the video, there is no indication of a crime.”

— Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia

“I have not done any of this and I categorically deny these things. I will absolutely categorically fight everything in this.”

— Dr. Shawn DeRemer (The Wall Street Journal)

What’s next

The Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Chairman Chuck Grassley, is continuing its investigation into Secretary Chavez-DeRemer's conduct, including the allegations of 'travel fraud' and her staff's treatment of junior employees.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of holding high-ranking government officials accountable, even in the face of serious allegations of misconduct. The decision not to charge Dr. DeRemer raises questions about the strength of the evidence and the willingness of authorities to pursue cases against powerful individuals.