Montclair public comments highlight sexual-harassment allegations against Councilmember Ben Lopez; family and supporters speak

During the public-comment period at the Nov. 5 Montclair City Council meeting, residents addressed a sexual‑harassment matter involving Councilmember Ben Lopez and a pair of alleged victims.

Edmund Garcia, who identified himself as a 23‑year resident of Montclair, told the council he and his family "support for the two victims" and said recent public statements suggesting the victims are lying are false. "This is not that this is not the truth," Garcia said, adding that the family has found recent comments blaming the victims to be "shameful" and re‑victimizing.

Later, Tony Lopez — who introduced himself as the father of an accused youth — urged residents not to rush to judgment. "I don't understand how people can be so quick to judge when they weren't there," he said, describing the family’s approach as prayerful and asking the community to refrain from gossip and rumor.

Council meeting minutes and staff did not record a formal council action on the matter during the meeting; the comments were made during the public‑comment period. Several commenters said they hoped the election would bring change related to the issue; others urged the council and community to consider evidence and due process.

The council did not debate or take formal action on the allegations during the meeting. Both the accuser-supporting comments and the family’s defense were audible in the chamber and recorded in the public record. No criminal or civil case outcomes were announced at the meeting and no city action was taken during the session.