LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Brenda Monarrez, 4th District Council Member, is firmly denying recent allegations of sexual misconduct following a protective order issued against her. Earlier this month, Judge Traci Brislin granted a three-year protective order in response to sexual assault claims made by 6th District Council Member Denise Gray. In a statement provided to ABC 36 News, Monarrez maintained her innocence, suggesting that the judge’s limited knowledge of her personal character influenced the decision. Monarrez also claimed that Gray has continued to interact with her over the past three years. Monarrez plans to legally challenge the judge’s decision. ABC 36 News has reached out to Gray for comment and will update with any new information. You can read Monarrez’s full statement below.   BRENDA MONARREZ, 4TH DISTRICT LFUCG COUNCILMEMBER SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT – A COMMITMENT TO TRUTH AND SERVICE I want to address the recent allegations against me openly and honestly. I deny any accusations of sexual abuse or misconduct. Despite what any Judge may believe from some limited time and testimony in the vacuum of a few hours in a courtroom, I have always maintained my innocence, as I do now and will always do in the future. The judge making the ruling did not know me personally and knew nothing of my personal beliefs and values. During the recent hearing, I testified and denied each allegation made against me. It was also brought to public light that my accuser had continued to spend time with me numerous times over the past three years. I ask the residents in my District to consider whether, as a matter of common sense, such actions truly align with the nature of the allegations against me. While the court has issued a protective order, I want the public to know that this decision is being legally challenged. I am fully committed to challenging this ruling and believe that, through the legal process, truth and justice will ultimately emerge. History has shown us that judgments can sometimes be incorrect. Please be mindful that initial rulings don’t always reflect the truth. I am confident in my innocence, and I am dedicated to pursuing justice based upon truth. I understand that some may be concerned about my participation in City Council meetings via Zoom. Let me assure you that I remain fully dedicated to effectively serving and representing you. I remain fully committed to every aspect of my responsibilities and will take all action necessary to continue working closely with my colleagues, addressing community issues, and being accessible to you, my constituents. I also understand constituents having difficulty reconciling the fact that we are asked throughout our lives to stand with and believe survivors and victims of domestic, sexual and interpersonal violence. I passionately have served on the Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention Coalition because a close relative was nearly killed by their spouse over a decade ago. I helped them navigate the process of getting a restraining order at the time. I find these patently false allegations even more alarming, knowing the consequences these baseless and unfounded cases may have for actual survivors. My record speaks to my dedication and hard work for our community. Despite this temporary adjustment, I am as focused as ever on serving you and advocating for our City’s needs. I ask for your support and trust as I continue to work on your behalf and remain committed to making positive contributions to our community. My position as City Council member is unquestionably the most rewarding and most fulfilling public service I have ever experienced. It is my hope that you will allow me to continue my service to this wonderful city that we all call home. Thank you for your understanding and for your continued belief in my commitment to our community. To my constituents in the 4th District, I ask for your continued support, and I ask for your vote on election day.   Categories: Featured, Local News, News Tags: Allegations, brenda monarrez, Court, Denise Gray, Lexington, local news, News, ruling, Sexual Assault, urban council