Lexington residents react to judge’s ruling against councilwoman

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - After hours of testimony, a judge's ruling late Wednesday night granted an interpersonal protective order for Councilwoman Denise Gray .

It bars Councilwoman Brenda Monarrez from contacting Gray or going within 500 feet of Gray's home or city hall.

Interpersonal protective orders are intended to protect a victim from someone accused of physical or sexual abuse and harassment.

The mayor and Vice Mayor Dan Wu said in a joint statement: "Residents of Lexington expect their elected officials to act professionally and lawfully. We are deeply disturbed by a judge's recent decision finding reason to believe a Councilmember 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."

Concerns are now growing among residents in Monarrez's district following the news.

"I just think it's a shame that this has happened and that we have - her constituents have gotten drawn into having to decide what's going on," said Jackie Williams, a District Four resident. "I think once you get all of the information and process it, then we can process what we want to do. That's all you can do."

Members of councilmember Brenda Monarrez's district say the news of her three-year interpersonal protective order is concerning. Some feel like residents are caught in the middle.

"A decision that all voters need to make is to do your research," said Lisa Williams, a District Four resident.

Councilmember Monarrez is up for reelection in November. She will face Emma Curtis for the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council District Four seat. Election Day is on November 5.