HENDERSON, Nev. (KLAS) -- A litany of personal attacks has enveloped the city of Henderson, and elected officials are coming forward to explain why distrust has taken over a part of city hall.
On Jan. 7, the law firm Pisanelli Bice served a cease and desist to Councilwoman Carrie Cox on behalf of Mayor Michelle Romero. The purpose: to stop the spread of alleged rumors of an extra-marital affair, according to a copy of the letter 8 News 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 partner with Pisenelli Bice, wrote in the letter.
The cease and desist does not name the person involved in the “spurious rumors.”
In response, the law firm Marquis Aurbach disputed the claim Cox was spreading rumors, citing lack of evidence and describing the cease and desist as vague 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 against Cox require her to find out more about 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.
In September 2024, Cox allegedly attended a meeting with the other members of the Southern Hills Republican Women (SHRW) club. A member of that group wrote to Romero, saying Cox was telling attendees about the alleged affair, according to the email provided to 8 News 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 another meeting, and the same member allegedly witnessed Cox discussing the affair again, according to a city email.
“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 in the city email. “And I wish it to stop.”
City officials were then made aware the same rumors were being spread through the City of Henderson Police Department, according to documents provided to 8 News Now.
Romero notified the police union attorney, Andrew Regenbaum, that she would take legal action against any police officers perpetrating the rumor, according to the same documents.
Regenbaum responded to a request for a statement Monday and confirmed he did receive a phone call from Romero, who asked if he was aware of any rumor about her personal 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 issues within the city council were unfortunate but added from his vantage point the incident has not interfered with the city’s ability to pay attention to the needs of the police department.
‘Families are sacred’
On Monday, 8 News Now reached out to Romero and asked for comment regarding the cease 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 said. “It is unfortunate I had to resort to legal action to protect mine. These untruths will not be tolerated.”
Cox responded to an 8 News 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 News Now followed up with a question about the SHRW meeting.
"I have no comment in regards to the allegations other than my attorney’s response at this time," Cox said.
The city council was expected to meet for its regular meeting Tuesday afternoon. The council can discuss other matters on public record during mayor and councilmember comments at the end of the regular meeting.