Fayette Circuit Judge Traci Brislin has ordered three years of no contact between Lexington Council Members Denise Gray and Brenda Monarrez. That ruling came Wednesday following a hearing lasting more than five hours.
Sixth District Council Member Denise Gray filed an interpersonal protective order against Fourth District Council Member Brenda Monarrez. She alleged sexual assault in two incidents. In announcing her decision, Judge Brislin said she found sexual assault did occur twice and it was likely to occur again. In addition to three years of no contact, the judge ordered 500-foot restrictions of Gray’s residence and place of work. Following the ruling, Monarrez’ attorney Ed Cooley said he and his client were very disappointed with the findings and that an appeal of the ruling is possible.
“There’s a possibility of that. I don’t know that we would. I’ll have to look at alternatives to see if we’re going to do anything,” said Cooley.
Both women took the stand during the hearing telling completely different accounts. Gray said she was sexually assaulted in Monarrez’s house in 2021 and then again this past August in Monarrez's car. Monarrez denied that any such activity occurred at either time.
During questioning from her attorney, Monarrez said it, quote absolutely did not happen.” During her testimony, Gray commented about a second incident saying, quote, “Are we here again. This lady is never gonna stop. What did I do? What did I do? What did I do?”
Both women referred to the other as a friend before the filing of the order. They spoke about getting together to eat and drink socially. There was much questioning and testimony about drinking alcoholic drinks and how much. Monarrez is running for re-election to the Lexington Council and has opposition. Gray doesn’t have opposition.
A police detective, who took the complaint from Gray, said it’s still an ongoing investigation and there’s been no decision on any criminal charges. Still to be determined is how Monarrez will carry out her Council responsibilities. She’s been attending meetings virtually.
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