NEWS
Judge Finds Sexual Assault Claim Against Colorado Lawmaker Not Credible
The case underscores broader issues surrounding false allegations and the impact they can have, particularly on marginalized communities like Black and queer individuals in positions of power.
March 22, 2024
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By William Cameron
State Representative Leslie Herod, a figure in Colorado Democratic politics, has been embroiled in a public dispute for over a year after facing allegations of sexual assault made by another woman within the political circle. The accuser, Sheena Kadi, had taken to social media, including during Herod's run for Denver mayor, to make her claims known.
However, Herod feels vindicated following a ruling by a Denver County Court judge who found Kadi's testimony to be lacking credibility. The judge's ruling, based on a court transcript provided to The Denver Post, denied Kadi's request for a protection order against Herod and instead granted the state lawmaker a protection order.
The judge's decision came after two half-day hearings in February, during which Judge Clarisse Gonzales found the evidence of threats or violence against Herod to be unsubstantiated. Gonzales declared Kadi's testimony as "incredible on 100 percent of the facts that were asserted."
Herod expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have her voice heard through the legal process but lamented that it should never have reached such a point. She highlighted the toll the accusations have taken on her, including harassment and attempts to use the allegations against her in the legislature.
Kadi, who serves as a spokesperson for the Colorado Treasurer's Office and holds a position within the Colorado Democratic Party, has not directly responded to questions about the ruling. Despite typically not identifying alleged victims of sexual assault, The Denver Post chose to name Kadi due to the public nature of her accusations against Herod.
The protection order mandates that Kadi refrain from contacting Herod or making any social media posts about her. It also stipulates specific distances Kadi must maintain from Herod, except in certain approved work-related situations.
The allegations against Herod, dating back to early 2023, were initially made without naming her directly in all social media posts. However, Herod's connection to the accusations was often apparent. Kadi explicitly named Herod in a now-deleted statement on social media, alleging sexual assault and subsequent harassment.
Herod vehemently denied all accusations and asserted that the encounter Kadi described as assault actually occurred after Kadi had left her previous position. Herod also pointed to text messages and witness testimony indicating Kadi's pursuit of a romantic relationship after the alleged assault, casting further doubt on Kadi's claims.
In the wake of the ruling, Herod is considering legal action against Kadi for defamation. She emphasized the painful and shocking nature of the allegations, particularly as someone who has long advocated for victims of sexual assault and harassment.
The case underscores broader issues surrounding false allegations and the impact they can have, particularly on marginalized communities like Black and queer individuals in positions of power. Herod called for an end to false narratives targeting queer elected officials as abusers.
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