A Lexington councilwoman alleges another councilwoman has been 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 Aug 8.
An interpersonal protection order is a civil order that protects a victim from someone accused of abuse or harassment.
In the complaint, Gray alleges on Aug. 1 the two first-term council members went out to dinner. Monarrez allegedly tried to give Gray alcoholic beverages. When Gray dropped her off, Monarrez “tried to kiss me. I tried to push her away repeatedly,” the complaint said.
Gray alleges Monarrez then “used her right hand to grab my vagina outside of my clothes,” according to the document.
“I was afraid and upset,” Gray said in the complaint. Gray said she yelled at Monarrez and Monarrez eventually went inside her home.
Gray, 45, said the two are not in a relationship, and she is heterosexual. Neither Gray nor Monarrez, 52, are married.
“I have never given 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 reply to a Monday email seeking comment.
Monarrez has not returned emails or phone calls from the Herald-Leader asking for comment.
Gray also wrote in the Aug. 8 complaint that in October 2021, she had a birthday party and invited several friends, including Monarrez.
In the complaint, Gray said, “She provided drink after drink (and) offered to drive me home to my house. As she was driving, I lost consciousness. When I woke up, I was in a place I’ve never been and she was forcefully performing oral sex on me. ”
Gray wrote she fled.
Since the Aug. 1 incident, Gray said she had nightmares and is fearful of going to her office.
If the restraining order is approved, Monarrez cannot be at 200 East Main St., which is the Lexington city government center, or near Gray’s home.
A hearing on the temporary restraining order is set for 8:30 a.m. Aug. 20. The first Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council meeting is at 1 p.m. that day.
The council has been on a five-week summer council break.
Lexington city officials have said what happens at that 8:30 a.m. court hearing will determine if Monarrez can attend council meetings.
Monarrez is running against Emma Curtis in the November general election for the 4th Council District, which includes areas between Tates Creek and Nicholasville Road south of New Circle Road.
Gray is also serving her first term on council. She has no opponent in the November general election.
Council races are nonpartisan.
This story could be updated.
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