A Lexington City Council member is taking a Fayette Circuit Court ruling regarding sexual assault to a higher court. Fourth District Council Representative Brenda Monarrez has asked the Kentucky Court of Appeals to vacate an emergency protective order. Judge Traci Brislin extended a temporary EPO to three years following a hearing in October. The request came from Sixth District Council Member Denise Gray. She stated in court that Monarrez had sexually assaulted her twice over a three year period. Judge Brislin said she believed Gray had been assaulted by Monarrez. Monarrez has denied all accusations and testified the assaults never happened. No criminal charges have been filed. Monarrez is seeking re-election. Her opponent Emma Curtis has called for Monarrez to step down, citing an inability to adequately keep up with City Hall responsibilities. ** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation. The post Lexington Council Member taking EPO case to a higher court appeared first on The Lexington Times.