Key Points

A former Woodford County EMT, Naomi Branham, filed a sexual harassment and discrimination complaint on Wednesday against Woodford County Judge/Executive James Kay and the county’s fiscal court.
The complaint alleges a hostile work environment, sexual harassment, and retaliation by male colleagues, including 29-year-old paramedic Najay King.
According to the complaint, King allegedly bypassed the lock on Branham’s EMS bedroom, laid on top of her while she was in bed, and did not immediately leave when asked.
The complaint also states King sent unwanted sexual messages, engaged in unwanted physical touching, and sent photos and videos of himself touching himself at work.
In August 2025, EMS Director Freeman Bailey and Assistant Director Kent Barry met with Branham after learning of the allegations.
Security footage obtained by LEX News shows Bailey and Barry telling Branham she should have just said “No,” that she had no evidence, and Bailey threatened to fire her and file charges if she continued speaking about the allegations.
The attorney for Judge Kay and the Woodford County Fiscal Court declined to comment when contacted by LEX News.
Najay King told LEX News he was unaware of the complaint and had no comment.
Branham’s attorney, Eric Branco, filed the complaint detailing multiple incidents between 2024 and 2025.

Former Woodford County EMT Files Sexual Harassment Complaint Against County Officials

WOODFORD COUNTY, Ky (King County Insider) July 31, 2026 — A former Woodford County EMT is now fighting for accountability after a complaint filed on Wednesday details moments she experienced alleged sexual harassment and assault by her male colleagues.

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What happened in the Naomi Branham sexual harassment complaint?

Naomi Branham’s attorney, Eric Branco, filed the complaint against Woodford County Judge/Executive James Kay and the county’s fiscal court on charges of discrimination, hostile work environment, sexual harassment and retaliation. Branham, a former EMT, claims she was subjected to harassment from several male paramedics, including 29-year-old Najay King.

What specific incidents are detailed in the complaint?

The complaint details a time when King bypassed the lock on Branham’s EMS bedroom and laid on top of her while she was in bed. She asked him to leave, but he did not immediately comply, the complaint says. Multiple incidents between 2024 and 2025 are described in the complaint.

As reported by LEX News, the document states: “Over time, Mr. King began to take advantage of their friendship and his superior position to subject Naomi to unwanted sexual messages and physical touching.” It goes on to say that King also allegedly sent several “unwanted photos and videos of himself touching himself at work.”

How did EMS leadership respond to the allegations?

In August 2026, EMS Director Freeman Bailey was made aware of the allegations, and held a meeting with Branham and Assistant Director Kent Barry. In security footage obtained by LEX News, both men can be heard telling Branham that she should have just said “No.”

The pair also can be heard telling Branham that she has no evidence to support her claims. Bailey is also heard threatening to fire her and file charges against her if she continues to speak about the allegations

What responses have been given by the accused parties?

LEX News reached out to the attorney for Kay and the Woodford County Fiscal Court; that attorney declined to comment. Najay King said he was unaware of the complaint, and also had no comment.

Background of the Development

The complaint filed by Naomi Branham represents a significant legal action against Woodford County government officials and the fiscal court, alleging systemic failures in addressing workplace harassment within the county’s Emergency Medical Services department. The fiscal court, which consists of eight magistrates and the Judge/Executive, serves as the governing body for Woodford County, with all positions elected to four-year terms.

According to the complaint, the alleged harassment occurred over an extended period between 2024 and 2025, with multiple incidents documented. The filing comes after Branham reportedly brought her concerns to EMS leadership in August 2025, prompting a meeting with Director Freeman Bailey and Assistant Director Kent Barry. The security footage obtained by LEX News showing the response from these officials has become a central element of the case, as it allegedly captures statements that could be interpreted as dismissive of the allegations and threatening toward the complainant.

The complaint names both Judge/Executive James Kay and the fiscal court as defendants, suggesting Branham’s legal team is pursuing claims of institutional responsibility for the alleged hostile work environment. This type of filing typically seeks to establish that county leadership either knew or should have known about the harassment and failed to take appropriate corrective action, or that the response to complaints was inadequate or retaliatory.

Predictions: How This Development May Affect Woodford County EMS and Public Safety Workers

This development could have several implications for Woodford County’s Emergency Medical Services department and similar public safety organizations. First, the case may prompt internal reviews of workplace conduct policies and complaint procedures within the county EMS system, as allegations of this nature often lead to scrutiny of existing protocols for handling harassment complaints.

Second, the security footage showing EMS leadership’s response to Branham’s allegations could influence how other employees perceive the department’s willingness to address workplace misconduct, potentially affecting staff morale and trust in management. Public safety workers who witness or experience similar situations may be more likely to come forward if they believe the legal process will provide accountability, or conversely, may be discouraged if they perceive the response as inadequate.

Third, the outcome of this case could set precedents for how fiscal courts and county governments in Kentucky handle similar workplace harassment claims, particularly those involving public safety personnel. The fiscal court structure, which combines legislative and executive functions at the county level, may face increased pressure to implement more robust oversight mechanisms for workplace conduct across all county departments.

Finally, the case may affect recruitment and retention within Woodford County EMS, as workplace culture and leadership responsiveness to complaints are significant factors for current and prospective employees in high-stress public safety roles. Organizations in similar jurisdictions may use this case as a reference point for reviewing their own policies and training programs related to workplace harassment prevention and response.