Kentucky Appeals Court Denies Councilwoman’s Request to Lift Protective Order Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

Lexington—A Kentucky Court of Appeals judge has denied an emergency request from Lexington Fayette-Urban County Councilwoman Brenda Monarrez to lift a three-year protective order that prohibits her from visiting City Hall. The order, issued on October 16 by Fayette Circuit Judge Traci Brislin, comes amid serious accusations of sexual assault against fellow Councilwoman Denise Gray.

The restraining order prohibits Monarrez from contacting Gray and mandates that she remain at least 500 feet away from Gray’s home. Monarrez’s appeal claimed she is experiencing “irreparable harm” from the order, which is affecting her ability to perform council duties, especially as she campaigns for re-election in Lexington’s 4th District.

On Tuesday, Monarrez’s attorney filed a “petition for a writ of prohibition,” arguing that Judge Brislin should have recused herself from the case. However, Appeals Judge Kelly Mark Easton stated in an order on Friday that he could not grant emergency relief, citing concerns over the court’s jurisdiction and previous opportunities for Monarrez to address the matter.

Judge Easton pointed out that Monarrez could continue her work remotely and noted that the initial hearing regarding the protective order lasted unusually long for such cases. During this hearing, Gray detailed various incidents, including an August dinner where Monarrez allegedly attempted to kiss her and grabbed her crotch. Gray also recounted a 2021 birthday party incident where she lost consciousness and later found herself at Monarrez’s home, where Monarrez allegedly assaulted her.

No criminal charges have been filed against Monarrez, though a Lexington Police Department detective has confirmed an ongoing investigation into the matter. Her opponent in the upcoming election, Emma Curtis, has called for Monarrez to resign, arguing that she is unfit to serve under the current circumstances. In a statement, Curtis criticized Monarrez for campaigning instead of addressing serious community issues.

In response to the allegations and the protective order, Monarrez has publicly denied any wrongdoing, asserting her commitment to serving her constituents. She claimed that Gray had previously chosen to spend time with her, suggesting a contradiction in the allegations. Monarrez emphasized her resolve to contest the protective order legally and expressed confidence in eventually proving her innocence.

The case is set to be reviewed by a three-judge panel after responses from Judge Brislin and Gray are submitted.