Indy councilor steps down as education chair amid assault allegations

by Peter Blanchard

A Democrat on the City-County Council is stepping down as chair of the Education Committee as he faces allegations of physical and sexual assault.

Laurin Embry, a social worker who has volunteered on Democratic campaigns, told IndyStar she experienced the abuse at the hands of Keith Graves, an eastside councilor, during and after their romantic relationship, which she said began in 2020 and ended in 2022.

Embry, 29, described to IndyStar one instance where she said Graves “grabbed her neck, applied pressure, and threatened her,” and another where she said Graves sexually assaulted her.

Embry did not file any police reports at the time of the alleged incidents but told Mirror Indy she is now having discussions with her attorney about whether to do so.

“I don’t think I’ll ever have peace or justice,” Embry told IndyStar. “I’m not asking for his resignation. I’m not even asking for the party to hold him accountable because obviously that is just too much to ask of our elected officials. All I’m doing is telling the truth about what happened to me so I can help other people.”

When asked by Mirror Indy to comment on the allegations, Graves said the accusations were false.

“I am deeply disappointed by the allegations being made against me,” Graves said in a statement, in part. “These claims do not reflect the values I hold as a father, a brother, a mentor, and a public servant. What was once a mutual and respectful relationship is now being portrayed in a drastically different and troubling way. I want to be absolutely clear: I have never acted in a way that jeopardized anyone’s safety, comfort, or dignity. I unequivocally deny the false and hurtful claims that are now being shared.”

Graves, a 59-year-old financial advisor, joined the council in 2019 and leads the council’s education committee. He represents the Devington and Arlington Woods areas and parts of the far east side.

In addition to Embry’s accusations against Graves, a woman who was in a relationship with the councilor filed an order of protection against him in 2024, according to a copy of the document obtained by Mirror Indy, though no criminal charges were filed, according to IndyStar.

The accusations against Graves come as Mayor Joe Hogsett, a Democrat, faces criticism and calls for resignation for his handling of sexual harassment and abuse accusations against his former chief of staff, Thomas Cook.

Osili: Graves resigns as committee chair

Graves is stepping down as chair of the education committee “as the details of this matter continue to unfold,” Council President Vop Osili, a Democrat, announced in a statement July 11.

Osili’s statement did not name who he would like to see lead the committee.

“I take any allegation of sexual misconduct with the utmost seriousness. We must always strive for a workplace culture rooted in safety, dignity, and accountability — especially for those we serve alongside and those we serve in our community,” his statement read, in part.

Osili said the council “does not have the authority to investigate individuals or personal matters — including those involving councilors — unless they pertain to financial, legislative or conflict-of-interest issues.”

Councilor Maggie Lewis, the Democratic Majority Leader, said in a statement through a spokesperson that she is aware of the allegations and is “committed to confirming their validity.”

“If information emerges that negatively affects the integrity of the caucus, we are dedicated to taking all necessary actions to do what is right,” the statement read, in part. “We urge the community to respect the privacy of everyone involved and to be patient as we work to address this issue with council leadership and the caucus.”

Myla Eldridge, chair of the Marion County Democratic Party, did not respond to a request for comment.

A spokesperson for the Indiana Democratic Party told Mirror Indy that the allegations against Graves were “disturbing” and that “no victim should be afraid to tell their story.”

Following the allegations against Cook last year, the state party created a code of conduct to govern the state party, its employees and members of the Democratic Party.

‘Indianapolis needs a reset’

Councilor Josh Bain, a southside Republican, said the allegations against Graves are “yet another example of why Indianapolis needs a reset.” Bain is one of four councilors who have called for the mayor’s resignation.

Natalie Goodwin, chair of the Marion County Republican Party, was also quick to condemn Democratic Party leaders for “failing” its voters.

“It’s becoming clear why the Democrats on the City-County Council refuse to hold Mayor Joe Hogsett accountable for the sexual harassment scandal he permitted under his watch,” Goodwin wrote in a statement. “The council now faces its own allegations, and the lack of leadership from the council Democrats is appalling. Mayor Hogsett and the council majority must be held accountable.”
 

Embry said that while she’s not expecting Graves to face any consequences, she felt compelled to tell her story after seeing other women — such as Lauren Roberts — speak out about alleged harassment they’ve experienced working on Democratic campaigns.

She said she saw herself in Roberts when Council President Vop Osili, a Democrat, ordered the removal of Roberts from a June council meeting. Osili later said he regretted that decision.

“When I saw Lauren (Roberts) be (dragged) out, it wasn’t just Lauren Roberts as a survivor,” Embry told Mirror Indy. “That was symbolic for every single young woman who has been taken advantage of, especially within party politics.”

The National Women’s Defense League, a nonprofit working to prevent sexual harassment, wrote in a post on Instagram that Embry’s story shouldn’t be ignored.

“Survivors deserve more than silence. They deserve to be heard, believed and supported — regardless of political affiliation,” the post read, in part.

An update was made on July 11, 2025: This story has been updated to reflect that Graves has resigned as chair of the education committee and to include statements from Democratic Majority Leader Maggie Lewis and Council President Vop Osili.

Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.

Peter Blanchard covers local government. Reach him at 317-605-4836 or peter.blanchard@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X @peterlblanchard.