Court file of Councilmember harassment case sealed, then reopened

Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Center. Source: City of Lexington.

Last week, the court file and documents related to Councilmember Denise Gray’s interpersonal protective order against Councilmember Brenda Monarrez were sealed, meaning they are no longer viewable by the public. Typically, a hearing is held before court filings are sealed, but no hearing appears to have been held for this case.

But today, Monday, September 23rd, the case was reopened. A note from judicial staff on the file refers to the case as “confidential,” but the case is now reappearing on the public docket.

It is currently unclear if the October 16th hearing on the case will be open to the public, along with any evidence submitted in the case. At that hearing, Judge Traci Brislin will decide whether or not to grant Gray’s interpersonal protective order against Monarrez on a long-term basis. In the meantime, Councilmember Monarrez will be attending Council meetings virtually and working from home.

You can read about the initial allegations here and read Councilmember Monarrez’s statement denying the allegations here.