Jessica Roberts, a newly appointed city council member in Lynnwood, Washington, may have her appointment rescinded later this week after accusations have surfaced that she previously posted explicit content online on platforms like OnlyFans and Reddit.
Newsweek has filed an online contact form with the Lynnwood City Council for comment on Wednesday.
Why It Matters
Individuals’ online presences play a crucial role in hiring decisions and building or eroding public trust. Previously, another Lynnwood City Council member, Josh Binda, faced ethics concerns over a shirtless picture of himself and allegations of misusing campaign funds. Political figures, such as Susanna Gibson, have seen their careers affected by online content related to sexual posts and videos.
What To Know
The Lynnwood City Council appointed Roberts, who is transgender, to Position No. 5 on Monday after Julieta Altamirano-Crosby resigned in January. Following Roberts’ appointment, the Lynnwood Times reported finding an OnlyFans account registered to her with 63 pictures, 12 videos and 135 followers.
It is no longer active, with Roberts telling the Lynnwood Times, “The reason the account was taken down was because I do not want to waste taxpayers’ money, or the Council’s time watching this turn into a debate on whether or not it’s socially acceptable for me to have an account.” The outlet also reportedly found a Reddit account linked to Roberts.
On her alleged online accounts, she posted explicit photos and sexual content. Roberts currently works as a customer service representative, having previously worked for over six years at Puget Sound Energy as an administrative specialist and customer service representative, according to her LinkedIn account. Roberts is a graduate of Washington State University.
The council is designed to be made up of six members and has been struggling with the sixth seat, as earlier in February, it voted for Rebecca Thornton to take over the No. 5 seat, only for her to withdraw a few days later.
Roberts prioritized zoning policy and development, pedestrian and transit use, and community engagement during the interview for this city council role.
The revelations have led the city council to reconsider Roberts’ appointment, with the council to hold a special business meeting on Thursday to discuss.
Jessica Roberts LinkedIn profile picture as of March 12, 2025.
Jessica Roberts LinkedIn Profile
What People Are Saying
Council President Nick Coelho said in an email Tuesday: “There are now concerns that very relevant information to our deliberation was — whether intentionally or unintentionally — withheld that would have weighed heavily on our decision.”
Jessica Roberts said in a Tuesday email: “The Lynnwood City Council’s decision to meet on Thursday is the members doing their due diligence. While I appreciate, and understand the concern, regarding the revelations around my personal life, this would not impact my ability to do the job I was appointed to do or my ability to serve my fellow residents.”
Josh Binda, City Council member in Position No. 3, who previously faced allegations said during a council meeting to vote on Roberts: “I think all of us can agree that we’re excited to have someone like her bring her representation to the council.”
What Happens Next?
Roberts was set to be sworn in at the City Council Work Session on March 17, however, the city called a meeting to consider her appointment on Thursday at 7 p.m. According to the council’s agenda, it has allocated 20 minutes to the discussion of Roberts’ qualifications.
The council has until April 5 to find a replacement for the vacancy.
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