Judge grants Councilmember Gray’s restraining order against Councilmember Monarrez

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

Judge Traci Brislin granted 6th Councilmember Denise Gray’s interpersonal protective restraining order against 4th District Councilmember Brenda Monarrez. The restraining order is in place temporarily through October 16th. On the 16th, a hearing will be held to determine if the order should be granted on a long-term basis.

Judge Brislin ordered that Councilmember Monarrez must remain a minimum of 500 feet away from Councilmember Gray at all times — and must remain 500 feet away from Gray’s home address.

Councilmember Monarrez is also prohibited from entering the LFUCG Government Center Building. Monarrez is ordered to conduct all of her Councilmember duties from home. Monarrez is allowed to fully participate in Council meetings by virtually calling in through a platform like Zoom.

Councilmember Gray filed the restraining order against Councilmember Monarrez on August 8th. According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, Gray’s filing alleges multiple instances of sexually aggressive behavior from Monarrez since 2021. Gray has not filed criminal charges against Monarrez.