Restraining order filed against Lexington councilwoman alleges sexual misconduct

A Lexington councilwoman alleges that another councilwoman was sexually aggressive toward her on more than one occasion, according to court documents filed with an interpersonal protection order.

Lexington-Fayette Urban County Councilwoman Denise Gray filed the order against fellow Councilwoman Brenda Monarrez, August 8th.

An interpersonal protective order is a civil order that protects a victim from someone accused of abuse or harassment.

In the complaint, Gray alleges that on August 1, the two first-term council members went out to dinner. Monarrez allegedly tried to give Gray alcoholic drinks. When Gray left her, Monarrez “tried to kiss me. I tried to push her away repeatedly,” the complaint said.

Gray alleges that Monarrez then “used his right hand to grab my vagina outside my clothes,” according to the document.

“I was scared and upset,” Gray said in the complaint. Gray said he yelled at Monarrez and Monarrez eventually went into his house.

Gray, 45, said the two are not dating and that she is heterosexual. Neither Gray nor Monarrez, 52, are married.

“I never gave her consent to touch me in any sexual manner,” Gray said in the complaint.

No criminal charges have been filed in the case, according to court and police records.

Gray declined to comment in a phone call with the Herald-Leader. She did not respond to an email Monday seeking comment.

Monarrez did not return emails or phone calls from the Herald-Leader seeking comment.

Gray also wrote in the Aug. 8 complaint that in October 2021 she threw a birthday party and invited several friends, including Monarrez.

In the complaint, Gray said: “She provided drink after drink (and) offered to take me to my house. While she was driving, I lost consciousness. When I woke up, I was in a place I’ve never been and she was giving me hard oral sex. ”

Gray wrote that she ran away.

Since the Aug. 1 incident, Gray said he has had nightmares and is afraid to go to the office.

If the restraining order is approved, Monarrez cannot be at 200 East Main St., which is the center of Lexington city government, or near Gray’s home.

A hearing on the temporary restraining order is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 20. The first meeting of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council will be at 1 p.m. that day.

The council is on a five-week summer break.

Lexington city officials said what happens at that 8:30 a.m. hearing will determine whether Monarrez will be able to participate in council meetings.

Monarrez is running against Emma Curtis in the November general election for the 4th Council Districtwhich includes areas between Tates Creek and Nicholasville Road south of New Circle Road.

Gray is also serving her first term on the council. She has no opponent in the November general election.

Council races are nonpartisan.

This story may be updated.