Elsmere councilwoman files complaint after attendance criticism

Elsmere's former councilwoman, Serena Owen, filed a criminal complaint against a local resident, Eric Bunzow, accusing him of online harassment. This complaint emerged after Bunzow publicly criticized Owen for her poor attendance at council meetings. The Kenton County chief prosecutor reviewed the case and decided not to charge Bunzow. He stated that there was no threat of violence involved in Bunzow's posts. Bunzow denied the allegations, saying he was merely making valid points about Owen's attendance. Owen's complaint included several social media posts from Bunzow, where he questioned her commitment to the council. He pointed out that she missed 16 out of 23 public meetings in 2024, a claim supported by public records. In her complaint, Owen mentioned receiving a death threat and accused Bunzow of spreading false information. However, Bunzow countered that Owen had been paid by the city while absent from meetings, which she denied, calling the pay stubs "fake." Following the complaint and ongoing attendance issues, the Elsmere City Council voted to start the process of removing Owen from her position. She has the right to a public hearing and can appeal the council's decision in court.