Mayor Gorton, Vice Mayor Wu on protection order between council members: ‘Deeply disturbing’
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton and Vice Mayor Dan Wu said they were “deeply disturbed” by a Fayette Circuit judge’s ruling that a councilwoman sexually assaulted a colleague twice over three years.
“Residents of Lexington expect their elected officials to act professionally and lawfully,” Gorton and Wu said in a written statement released Thursday. “We are deeply disturbed by a judge’s recent decision finding reason to believe a Council member engaged in multiple assaults on a colleague. This conduct is unacceptable in or out of the workplace, and LFUCG will fully abide by the judge’s ruling.”
On Wednesday, Fayette Circuit Judge Traci Brislin granted a three-year protection order to Lexington-Fayette Urban County Councilwoman Denise Gray, prohibiting fellow Councilwoman Brenda Monarrez from contacting Gray.
Brislin found there was reasonable evidence to show Monarrez had sexually assaulted Gray once in 2021 and a second time in August.
Monarrez cannot be within 500 feet of Gray or the city government center, where both women work.
Monarrez has worked virtually since an emergency protection order was granted in August. City officials say they believe Monarrez will continue to work virtually.
Monarrez has denied the allegations. Edward Cooley, Monarrez’s lawyer, said Wednesday they are considering appealing Brislin’s order.
During the seven-hour hearing, there was also testimony regarding drinking by both Monarrez and Gray.
Councilwoman Shayla Lynch, under cross-examination by Cooley, said she knew Gray sometimes drank at work.
Wu said these allegations will be investigated.
“Inappropriate activities on the council floor were also disclosed as part of the court testimony,” he said. ”While I believe these activities to be isolated, as Vice Mayor, I hold myself and my colleagues to a high standard of conduct. I fully intend to address these issues.”
This story was originally published October 18, 2024 at 8:35 AM.
