Hughson City Council unanimously censures mayor over misconduct allegations
The Hughson City Council voted Tuesday night to formally censure Mayor George Carr and remove him from multiple committee and board assignments after city officials publicly confirmed that an independent investigation sustained allegations of misconduct against him.
The emotionally charged special meeting marked the most significant public fallout yet in a controversy that began earlier this year after Councilmember Susana Vasquez accused Carr of inappropriate conduct.
Carr and Vasquez both recused themselves from agenda items involving the censure resolution and reassignment of committee seats, leaving the city’s three remaining council members to deliberate and vote.
During the meeting, Hughson City Attorney Andy Pinasco publicly confirmed that an independent workplace investigation completed Feb. 4 verified allegations against Carr.
The investigation centered on allegations that Carr engaged in inappropriate conduct toward Councilmember Susana Vasquez, including unwanted physical contact and behavior that investigators determined violated standards of professionalism and created 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,” Pinasco said during the meeting.
He emphasized that the investigation used a “preponderance of evidence” standard — meaning “more likely than not” — and clarified that the findings were not criminal or legal determinations.
He added the investigation did not determine whether Carr violated laws or city policy, nor did it conclude Carr committed sexual harassment as a legal matter.
Earlier this year, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it had completed a criminal investigation into allegations against Carr and forwarded the case to the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, which ultimately declined to file charges.
During public comment, Vasquez defended her decision to publicly discuss the allegations and rejected criticism from Carr regarding her handling of the matter.
“You do not get to decide how I handle my experience,” she said. “The focus should remain mainly focused on the misconduct and sustained findings.”
Vasquez described the situation as “very difficult” and said she never expected to experience such issues while serving on the council.
“I did not ask for this,” she said.
Carr acknowledged during the meeting that he had exercised “poor judgment” but denied malicious intent or harassment.
“The investigation concluded that all three allegations were sustained. I have never disputed the allegations being sustained,” Carr said during public comment. “There was never any malice, harassment or intent or disrespect through those acts.”
Carr argued the allegations involved “innocent gestures that were taken out of context” and maintained he did not violate the city’s older code of conduct that was in place at the time.
Following public comment, council members discussed professionalism and accountability standards for elected officials.
Councilmember Julie Strain said she did not believe Carr committed sexual assault, but said his conduct was inappropriate and inconsistent with standards expected of city leaders.
“You represent not only yourself, but you represent the city of Hughson,” Strain said.
Strain added that she believed Carr “engaged in conduct that a reasonable person would consider severely or pervasively offensive, intimidating, or hostile toward another council member.”
The remaining three council members unanimously approved a resolution formally censuring Carr.
The council then unanimously approved a second resolution removing Carr from four council-appointed committee and board positions:
- 2-2 Fire District
- Budget and Finance Subcommittee
- League of California Cities Executive Committee
- Stanislaus Council of Governments Policy Board
City officials described the appointments as “at will” positions subject to reassignment by the council.
After the meeting, Carr said he was disappointed by the outcome but said he respected the council members’ decision and would not resign.
“I’m going fulfill my term,” he told The Bee.
Carr also accused Vasquez of improperly disclosing confidential information related to the investigation and argued the city should investigate or sanction her.
Vasquez did not immediately respond to questions about Carr’s allegation.
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.”
This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 5:36 PM.
