SACRAMENTO, California – There was a large law enforcement presence at a supermarket owned by a Sacramento City Council member on Thursday.
State and federal law enforcement officers were seen at the Viva supermarket on Marysville Boulevard. Viva is a chain owned by Sean Loloee, who represents District 2.
The department responded by saying it was “conducting a court-authorised law enforcement operation at several locations in the Sacramento area”. DHS would not elaborate on the law enforcement activity, but said the IRS and California Department of Justice were also investigating.
In 2022, the US Department of Labor sued Loloee after three separate investigations uncovered violations of the Fair Labour Standards Act.
That lawsuit is ongoing, and federal officials would not confirm whether Thursday’s activity was related.
The Sacramento Central Labor Council shared a letter on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, describing the law enforcement activity as a federal raid. The letter also called for Loloee’s resignation. The letter referred to allegations of labour violations, including an interaction between the council and supermarket workers “who provided shocking details of repeated labour violations”.
“The foundation of our democracy is built on the principles of transparency, accountability and respect for the law. As public servants, elected officials are entrusted with the responsibility to serve as examples of ethical behaviour and integrity in their professional and personal lives,” the letter said. “Given the seriousness of these allegations, your ongoing legal troubles, and their potential impact on the residents and workers of Sacramento, particularly those in District 2, we believe it is in the best interest of both your constituents and the principles of ethical government that you immediately resign your position as a councilmember.”
On Thursday we went to several locations owned by Loloee. The Viva supermarket on Norwood Avenue was closed, but the one on Marysville Boulevard was open. The manager of the Marysville Boulevard location said they had no comment in connection with the investigation.
Steinberg’s office said it had no comment at this time. We had not heard from Loloee’s office by Thursday evening.
Loloee has previously faced scrutiny over whether he followed state laws and city ordinances regarding residency requirements to serve on the council. An independent investigation ultimately found that he did comply with those requirements and that his home in the north Sacramento area was his primary residence.
Some people who live in the area had previously claimed that Loloee did not actually live in the house he owned.
District 2 includes Del Paso Heights, Arden Fair, Cal Expo and Hagginwood.