According to the complaint made by resident and city employee Emmanuel Vargas, the alleged misconduct happened on the evening of June 7, 2026 during a night out on Fry Street when councilmember Jordan Villarreal approached a group of friends.
The complaint alleges Villarreal bought a pitcher of alcohol for the group and continued referencing his position while asking personal questions.
Vargas says one friend later became uncomfortable with Villarreal's behavior. The complaint alleges Villarreal sat "extremely close" to the friend, touched his arms, and continued asking personal questions despite visible discomfort.
It also alleges Villarreal took the friend's phone, followed his own Instagram account and two other accounts, then asked for the friend's phone number and texted himself from the phone.
Vargas says his friend later told him Villarreal asked, "What would you do if a member of the council offered you coke?" The friend allegedly said he would decline.
The complaint also alleges Villarreal asked the friend explicit questions about sex.
Vargas says he confronted Villarreal afterward and told him the behavior was inappropriate and reflected poorly on the City Council. According to the complaint, Villarreal apologized and deleted the friend's phone number.
The same day the complaint was made, July 30, Villarreal made a social media post announcing his resignation, effective Sept. 1, citing ongoing “personal health issues.”
At a council meeting on Aug. 4, he told the council and residents he had been dealing with severe depression, suicidal thoughts, and substance abuse.
The Board of Ethics is not deciding Monday whether the allegations are true. The panel is determining whether the allegations, if true, could constitute a violation of the city's ethics ordinance.
If the complaint is deemed actionable, it will move forward to a public hearing. If it is deemed baseless, it will be dismissed. The panel is expected to file its determination with the City Auditor within two business days.
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