Fraser City Council votes to remove mayor, councilman over sexual harassment claims

Mayor Joseph Nichols and Councilman Matthew Hemelberg removed from office

FRASER, Mich. – The Fraser City Council has voted to remove the mayor and a city council member from their respective offices over sexual harassment claims made by employees.

Mayor Joseph Nichols and Councilman Matthew Hemelberg are at the center of sexual-harassment allegations from several employees.

According to court records, Nichols and Hemelberg are accused of inappropriately hugging and making sexually charged statements to female employees. In some incidents, employees alleged kisses and back massages.

An investigation began after interim City Manager D. Wayne O’Neal saw inappropriate behavior. An independent investigation was conducted and several female employees allegedly had been subject to such behaviors.

You can watch Mara MacDonald's full story in the video posted above.


About the Authors

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.

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