HENDERSON, Nev. (KLAS) — A litany of non-public assaults has enveloped the town of Henderson, and elected officers are coming ahead to clarify why mistrust has taken over part of metropolis corridor.
On Jan. 7, the legislation agency Pisanelli Bice served a stop and desist to Councilwoman Carrie Cox on behalf of Mayor Michelle Romero. The aim: to cease the unfold of alleged rumors of an extra-marital affair, in response to a replica of the letter 8 Information Now obtained.
“The only plausible purpose that you could have for broadcasting such cruel and despicable statements is to intentionally inflict injury on the mayor, her family and others,” Jordan Smith, a accomplice with Pisenelli Bice, wrote within the letter.
The stop and desist doesn’t identify the individual concerned within the “spurious rumors.”
Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero oversees a council assembly in 2024. (KLAS)
In response, the legislation agency Marquis Aurbach disputed the declare Cox was spreading rumors, citing lack of proof and describing the stop and desist as obscure and nondescript.
“Your client’s demand is utterly devoid of any specific statements or identified credible sources supporting a claim of defamation and which would make your demand for retraction futile,” Brian Hardy, a lawyer with Marquis Aurback, wrote. “Simply put, without knowing what was specifically said, when it was said and to whom the statements were made, my client has no way of addressing the allegations of your client.”
Hardy wrote the claims in opposition to Cox require her to search out out extra concerning the rumors.
“These claims necessitate and would entitle Councilwoman Cox to pursue discovery into every facet of the alleged underlying truth: whether an extramarital affair has occurred,” he wrote.
Councilwoman Carrie Cox speaks with 8 Information Now in 2024. (KLAS)
In September 2024, Cox allegedly attended a gathering with the opposite members of the Southern Hills Republican Ladies (SHRW) membership. A member of that group wrote to Romero, saying Cox was telling attendees concerning the alleged affair, in response to the e-mail supplied to eight Information Now.
“The conversation disturbed [a member] because she couldn’t understand why she was telling her,” the member wrote. “I told [the member] to ignore the gossip and that it was simply what it is: ‘GOSSIP.’”
Two months later, the SHRW met for one more assembly, and the identical member allegedly witnessed Cox discussing the affair once more, in response to a metropolis electronic mail.
“The toxicity and malicious intent to destroy two marriages as well as bring it into our club is not only disturbing but disgusting as well,” the member wrote within the metropolis electronic mail. “And I wish it to stop.”
Metropolis officers have been then made conscious the identical rumors have been being unfold via the Metropolis of Henderson Police Division, in response to paperwork supplied to eight Information Now.
Romero notified the police union legal professional, Andrew Regenbaum, that she would take authorized motion in opposition to any cops perpetrating the rumor, in response to the identical paperwork.
Regenbaum responded to a request for an announcement Monday and confirmed he did obtain a telephone name from Romero, who requested if he was conscious of any rumor about her private life.
“I advised the mayor that I was not aware of any rumors nor had I heard any such talk from the officers in the Henderson Police Department,” he wrote. “I do not recall Mayor Romero threatening any legal action relative to the police. Instead, she understandably expressed exasperation with the personal political attacks from unnamed sources.”
He added the interpersonal points throughout the metropolis council have been unlucky however added from his vantage level the incident has not interfered with the town’s potential to concentrate to the wants of the police division.
‘Families are sacred’
On Monday, 8 Information Now reached out to Romero and requested for remark concerning the stop and desist.
“I believe families are sacred, my husband and I have worked hard to build a strong and solid foundation not only for us, but for our children and grandchildren,” Romero mentioned. “It is unfortunate I had to resort to legal action to protect mine. These untruths will not be tolerated.”
Cox responded to an 8 Information Now request Tuesday.
“It is unfortunate that the mayor appears to have nothing better to do than to target me simply because I stand for the best interest of the [residents], first responders and businesses of Henderson,” Cox said. “I’ve always been unwavering in my commitment to the citizens of Henderson, their quality of life, and transparency. Sometimes that means I have to stand alone. However, I will not be bullied by those who seek power and control rather than understand what it means to be a public servant.”
8 Information Now adopted up with a query concerning the SHRW assembly.
“I have no comment in regards to the allegations other than my attorney’s response at this time,” Cox mentioned.
The town council was anticipated to satisfy for its common assembly Tuesday afternoon. The council can focus on different issues on public report throughout mayor and councilmember feedback on the finish of the common assembly.
