Fourth District council member Brenda Monarrez is facing accusations of repeated unwanted sexual advances by the Sixth District’s Denise Gray.
In a statement released Monday, Monarrez says the allegations are patently false, adding that she “does not know what exactly is driving this sudden unexpected derogatory accusation.” She then goes on note that the accusations were made within 90 days of a city council election where she is on the ballot as incumbent.
Monarrez ends the statement by noting that no court has yet made any determination regarding the alleged conduct and the court has taken the usual steps ensuring the separation of the two parties.
The unusual variable is that both Gray and Monarrez serve on council and the protective order means Monarrez can’t enter the government center.
Adrian Bryant with CivicLex says the courts have okayed a hybrid situation.
"So all of the rest of council are meeting in the government center in council chambers as they always do, but Councilmember Monarrez is just calling in," he explains.
Monarrez will interact virtually from a screen behind the council during meetings and conduct her business from home — at least until an October hearing , when a court will decide whether to extend the protective order.
