The Hughson City Council voted May 26 to formally censure Mayor George Carr and remove him from several committee and board assignments after city officials confirmed that an independent investigation substantiated allegations of misconduct against him.

The special meeting marked the most significant public development in a controversy that began earlier this year when Councilmember Susana Vasquez accused Carr of inappropriate conduct.

At a February council meeting, Vasquez alleged that Carr touched her inappropriately more than once, placed his hand on her thigh, reached toward her back pocket and touched her in City Hall and in the City Council chambers. She also accused Carr of making remarks about her appearance and personal life, including comments related to her being a single mother. His alleged conduct made her uncomfortable and she argued that because it occurred in a government workplace, it was more than a private matter.

Carr and Vasquez both recused themselves from agenda items related to the censure and committee reassignments, leaving the council’s three remaining members – Randy Crooker, Julie Ann Strain and Alan McFadon – to deliberate and vote.

Vice Mayor Crooker introduced the item, saying, “The conduct of the mayor, as found in the sustained findings, fall short of the standard our community expects from elected officials. Regardless of intent, elected leaders must conduct themselves in a manner that reflects respect for colleagues, staff and the public we serve. Actions that undermine professionalism or erode public confidence in this office cannot simply be dismissed or minimized. Leadership carries responsibility and with that responsibility comes accountability.”

Crooker went on to suggest that Vasquez mishandled the complaints against Carr as a “public spectacle.” He said her actions “escalated tensions, contributed to public confusion and further damaged confidence in city leadership.”

During the meeting, City Attorney Andy Pinasco confirmed that an independent workplace investigation completed on Feb. 4, 2026, sustained allegations against Carr. According to Pinasco, investigators found that Carr engaged in inappropriate conduct toward Vasquez, including unwanted physical contact and behavior that violated professional standards and contributed to an uncomfortable work environment.

“The factual basis for the item is the independent workplace investigation completed on Feb. 4, 2026, in which allegations were sustained by the independent investigator,” explained Pinasco.

He explained that investigators used a “preponderance of the evidence” standard, meaning the allegations were determined to be more likely true than not. Pinasco also clarified that the findings were not criminal or legal determinations and did not conclude that Carr violated any laws, city policies or committed sexual harassment as a legal matter.

Earlier this year, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office completed a criminal investigation into the allegations and forwarded the case to the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, which declined to file charges.

Carr alleged during the public comment section, that Vasquez violated the law by sharing on Facebook confidential information from a closed session meeting of the council. Carr asked the council to censure her as well as himself.

When it was her turn, Vasquez – she phoned in by Zoom—defended her decision to speak publicly about the allegations and pushed back against criticism from Carr.

“The focus should remain mainly focused on the misconduct and sustained findings,” said Vasquez. “You do not get to decide how I handle my experience.”

She described the situation as difficult and said she never expected to face such circumstances while serving on the council.

“I did not ask for this,” she said.

Carr acknowledged that he exercised “poor judgment” but denied any malicious intent or harassment.

“The investigation concluded that all three allegations were sustained. I have never disputed the allegations being sustained,” Carr said. “There was never any malice, harassment or intent or disrespect through those actions.”

Carr characterized the allegations as innocent gestures that had been taken out of context and were not repeated and maintained that he did not violate the city’s code of conduct in effect at the time.

“I make mistakes, take responsibilities, take responsibilities for those mistakes and correct my actions going forward,” said Carr.

Following public comment, council members discussed expectations for professionalism and accountability among elected officials.

Councilmember Strain said she did not believe Carr committed sexual assault but argued that his conduct was such “that a reasonable person would consider severely or pervasively offensive, intimidating or hostile toward another councilmember and he’s done this with other people aside of her.”

“You represent not only yourself, but you represent the city of Hughson,” Strain said.

She added that Carr had engaged in behavior that a reasonable person could view as offensive, intimidating or hostile toward another council member.

The three participating council members unanimously approved a resolution formally censuring Carr. They also unanimously voted to remove him from four council-appointed positions:

• 2-2 Fire District Subcommittee;
• Budget and Finance Subcommittee;
• League of California Cities Executive Committee;
• StanCOG (Stanislaus Council of Governments) Policy Board.

City officials noted that the appointments are made at the council’s discretion and may be reassigned at any time. After the meeting, Carr said he was disappointed with the outcome but respected the council’s decision and had no plans to resign.

Carr has stated that he plans to serve out his term.

Carr also accused Vasquez of improperly disclosing confidential information related to the investigation and argued that the city should examine whether any action against her is warranted. Vasquez did not immediately respond to those allegations.

Despite the controversy, Carr said he remains committed to serving Hughson residents.

“They’re the ones who put me in this office,” Carr said. “They’re the ones I represent. They’re the ones I work for.”