Update: Sheriff ends probe into Hughson mayor. No charges after allegations
Editor’s note: The story has been updated to include comment from the Sheriff’s Office and Carr
A criminal investigation into sexual assault allegations involving Hughson Mayor George Carr has concluded, with authorities determining the evidence did not meet the legal threshold required to file charges.
The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office announced the conclusion of its investigation in a statement shared by Hughson Police Services. Deputies said they conducted a thorough review after receiving a report involving Carr, including interviews with Councilmember Susana Vasquez, who was the reporting party, and the mayor.
“After a comprehensive review of the facts gathered, it was determined that the statutory elements necessary to constitute a criminal offense are not met in this case,” authorities said in the statement.
The Sheriff’s Office said that allegations of sexual assault are taken seriously and that investigators conducted a fair, impartial and complete review. Officials added that the evidentiary and legal standards required under California law to pursue criminal charges were not satisfied.
Hughson Police Chief Dias encouraged people who believe they are victims of sexual assault to report it to law enforcement.
“These incidents are extremely personal and may be difficult to report, but all investigations are conducted with sensitivity and respect,” the statement said.
Investigation timeline and review process
According to Lt. Erich Layton of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, the case was opened approximately one week before it was closed.
Layton said the case was not submitted to the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office for review.
“As is standard in any case, when statutory elements are not met, investigations are not commonly submitted for review,” Layton said.
Layton said that all involved parties were interviewed by investigators and that cases are typically not reopened unless new evidence or information becomes available.
Councilmember references additional investigation
Following the announcement, Vasquez said in a public social media post that another investigation related to the matter remains pending.
“The investigation has concluded as to criminal intent/charges. However, an outside investigation is pending,” Vasquez wrote. “Once investigation is concluded, there will be an opportunity to share all the information to the public.”
Vasquez also alleged Carr invoked his constitutional right against self-incrimination during the investigation.
“Mayor George Carr plead the fifth, and I am not surprised,” Vasquez wrote. “I believe that a person in leadership who speaks of integrity and has done absolutely nothing wrong would not have refused to collaborate with law enforcement.”
It was not immediately clear what agency or entity may be conducting the outside investigation referenced by Vasquez.
City cites confidentiality limits
In response to questions from The Bee, Hughson officials said state law limits what the city can publicly disclose regarding potential council discussions or personnel-related matters.
“We are aware of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office public announcement that its criminal investigation has concluded without charges,” City Manager Dominique Romo said in an email.
Romo said the city cannot confirm or comment on whether an internal or administrative investigation is underway, whether an outside investigator has been retained or whether the City Council has taken or considered action related to the allegations or investigation findings because those matters may be discussed in closed session.
“What we can say is that the City takes all allegations of misconduct seriously, is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment, and does not tolerate retaliation,” Romo said. “If the City Council takes any reportable action in an open meeting, it will be reflected in the public record.”
At least one Hughson City Council member declined to comment on the matter. Councilmember Julie Strain said in an email that she had “no comment at this time.”
The allegations previously prompted public discussion among Hughson city leadership and led to earlier statements acknowledging awareness of the allegations while citing legal and confidentiality restrictions that limited further comment.
Carr said in an email that the sheriff’s investigation is separate from another investigation he said remains ongoing. He declined to provide additional comment, citing the pending investigation.
This story was originally published February 3, 2026 at 10:15 AM.
