San Jose city leaders approve embattled councilmember's absence request amidst criminal probe
Briefly

Councilmember Omar Torres has been stripped of his committee assignments amid a police investigation into alleged illicit messages referencing minors, overshadowing his tenure in office.
Mayor Matt Mahan expressed frustration, stating, 'I believe Councilmember Torres is holding his seat hostage and denying representation to 100,000 residents in District 3.'
San Jose leaders faced limitations in removing Torres due to charter guidelines, which necessitate a felony conviction or significant unexcused absences for automatic seat vacating.
Torres' legal team characterized the messages as 'outrageous roleplay and fan', asserting his innocence amidst a serious police investigation regarding possible child endangerment.
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