Court will decide whether or not to grant Councilmember’s restraining order

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

Last week, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported that 6th District Councilmember Denise Gray filed an interpersonal protective restraining order against 4th District Councilmember Brenda Monarrez. According to the Herald-Leader, in the filing, Councilmember Gray alleged that Councilmember Brenda Monarrez “has been sexually aggressive toward her on more than one occasion,” most recently in early August. No criminal charges have been filed against Councilmember Monarrez. The order is in effect immediately.

Tomorrow, Tuesday August 20th at 8:30am, Judge Traci Brislin will hold a court hearing to decide whether or not to grant the restraining order. If granted, Councilmember Monarrez would likely be unable to attend Council meetings or work from her office at the Government Center.

Beyond Councilmember Monarrez being unable to be present at the Government Center, it is unclear what other consequences would result from the order being granted. There are no rules in Lexington’s charter allowing Councilmembers to be removed from office for harassment of any kind. We will keep readers updated on any information as it comes out.