Labor Secretary Under Scrutiny for Text Messages

Recently, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez Delemer advised her team to “pay attention” to unusual personal texts they might receive from their husbands and fathers.

One text from her father, Richard Chavez, sent to the staff in April, read: “We heard you in town. Wisin U will let you know. We can make any excuse we can to show you around, but please keep this private.” A staff member responded, “It’s okay, don’t worry! Yes, I went. I should have contacted you, but I’m sorry I couldn’t.”

The staffer mentioned they were “heading back to Washington, D.C.” after a “crazy two days” but promised to return. Inquiring about their departure, Mr. Chavez asked, “When are you leaving from where you are staying?”

A text exchange like this is one of many being reviewed by the department’s inspector general as part of a broader investigation into alleged misconduct. While Chavez’s father hasn’t been accused of any wrongdoing, the scrutiny continues.

The same staff member later sent an apology for not being able to connect with her husband, Sean Delemer. According to reports, she expressed enthusiasm about traveling and promised to stay in touch. Chavez Delemer joked, saying, “You’ve gotten better. I felt forgotten. I thought you were still repenting in church after being exposed to the devil’s state of Oregon.”

Sean Delemer, an anesthesiologist, has faced allegations of sexual assault involving a Department of Labor employee earlier this year. Although no charges were filed, he was locked out of the building following the incident. Investigators have heard similar accounts from multiple women claiming unwanted advances from him.

His attorney, James Bell, has not commented on the recent inquiries but previously stated that his client “categorically, unequivocally denies each and every allegation.”

Documents also suggest that Chavez Delemer and a former deputy chief of staff encouraged employees to bring alcohol on business trips and even during work hours. In one instance, she inquired about the availability of rosé wine at a hotel bar during an official visit in July, asking if it was offered in bottles. When informed it wasn’t, she requested a specific wine instead.

In another instance, Rebecca Wright, the then deputy chief of staff, asked staff to procure “a bottle or two” of wine or champagne for a post-meeting toast.

Earlier in the year, reports emerged about an investigation into Chavez Delemer for allegedly misusing her position, pursuing inappropriate relationships with security personnel, and possibly committing “travel fraud.” The investigation has shown significant discontent among employees, contributing to complaints of discrimination and a hostile work environment.

As of now, at least four of her top aides have been removed from their positions during the ongoing investigation, which is nearing completion. The Labor Department has yet to respond to further inquiries about the matter.