Sixth District Councilwoman Denise Gray has accused Fourth District Councilwoman Brenda Monnarez of repeated sexually aggressive behavior toward her. Wednesday, Fayette Circuit Curt Judge Traci Brislin sided with Gray – saying she “believes an actual sexual assault occurred, and it may occur again.” Both councilmembers presented conflicting accounts in court, with Monnarez maintaining her innocence.
No criminal charges have been filed.
Given Brislin’s opinion, the judge went on to extend a temporary restraining order by three years, telling Monnarez she must remain 500 feet from Gray’s home and the city’s government center. That complicates council sessions, as Monnarez would likely have to continue working virtually, according to city spokesperson Susan Straub.
The Lexington Herald-Leader reports Monnarez’s team is considering appealing.
UPDATE (10/18): Mayor Linda Gorton and Vice Mayor Dan Wu released a statement saying, in part, "We are deeply disturbed by a judge’s recent decision finding reason to believe a Council member engaged in multiple assaults on a colleague. This conduct is unacceptable in or out of the workplace, and LFUCG will fully abide by the judge’s ruling."
Cara Stewart, an attorney for Gray responded Friday, wrote, "Councilwoman Gray is relieved at the permanency of her protection from the Respondent. She looks forward to a safe workplace to do the work of her constituents. Not having her experiences potentially distract the work of the Council has been of utmost importance for Councilwoman Gray. It is not always possible to include every detail in a story. Quotes are sometimes incomplete, or otherwise without full context, for many reasons. I am hopeful that is what has happened here, because without clarification, reading that the Mayor and Vice-Mayor are 'deeply disturbed by a judge's recent decision...', where the Judge made a finding that sexual assault occurred and entered an order to protect Councilwoman Gray, appear they are more concerned that a court proceeding happened at all than my client's safety or addressing the assaults against Councilwoman Gray."
