Protests outside a Fort Thomas bookstore are continuing as demonstrators raise concerns about allegations against one of its owners, putting a strain on the small business.
The Hidden Chapter Bookstore, owned by husband and wife Dave and Lacey Mulcahy, was the site of protests on Oct. 3, Oct. 10 and Oct. 17. The protests follow public allegations of behavior against Dave Mulcahy by his daughter, Ireland Mulcahy, and have also drawn attention to a separate, ongoing civil lawsuit involving his time as a teacher at Turkeyfoot Middle School in Edgewood, for which he has not been criminally charged.
The demonstrations have brought public scrutiny to the bookstore, which has operated in Fort Thomas for about three years.
“Like any small business facing public attention, we have felt an impact,” the owners told LINK nky in an emailed response. “We are grateful to everyone who continues to visit.”
The owners did not answer LINK nky’s questions about whether sales or customer traffic have declined because of the protests, but acknowledged that the demonstrations have affected daily operations.
“Our employees’ safety comes first. We do not schedule staff during protests,” the owners said. “We are grateful to the team members who continue to work with us. We do not discuss personnel matters.”
The demonstrations are being organized through the “Cincy NKY Accountability Group,” according to Ireland Mulcahy, who participated in the Oct. 3 protest.
Ireland Mulcahy told LINK nky that the purpose of the protests is to raise public awareness about the allegations and encourage people to learn more about the bookstore’s ownership.
The first demonstration coincided with a regional bookstore crawl. Ireland Mulcahy said Hidden Chapter had been removed from the event’s participation materials but continued promoting itself as a participant. LINK nky has not independently verified the circumstances surrounding the bookstore’s participation.
Ireland Mulcahy said the demonstration drew support from people throughout the region, including some who stopped to join protesters and others who honked as they drove past.
“A lot of strangers just kind of like walking down the street picked up a sign,” she said. “There were people that just showed up.”
She said the protests are intended to bring attention to concerns about her father rather than simply hurt the bookstore financially.
“I don’t want him to struggle with his income,” Ireland Mulcahy said, although she expressed concerns about a business that attracts young women and children.
“No matter what, my goal is that he understands that he hurts people, and that people who were hurt get the closure and the healing that they need,” she said.
Organizers are planning the next protest for Oct. 25 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The protests come amid an ongoing civil lawsuit involving Dave Mulcahy’s previous employment as a social studies teacher and track coach at Turkeyfoot Middle School. The Kenton County School District fired Mulcahy in April 2023 following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate physical contact with female students.
A parent of one of those students filed a civil lawsuit in July 2023, alleging Mulcahy inappropriately touched the student during the 2022-23 school year.
An investigation by the Edgewood Police Department documented allegations from three female students involving inappropriate physical contact. The investigation was referred to the Kenton County Attorney’s Office, which declined to pursue criminal charges.
“At the time we received the completed investigation, the available evidence was not sufficient to support criminal prosecution under the laws then in effect,” the county attorney’s office previously told LINK nky in a written statement.
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services initially substantiated allegations against Mulcahy, according to school district documents. However, Mulcahy appealed that determination, and an administrative judge later dismissed the complaint and approved a settlement removing him from the cabinet’s list of substantiated complaints.
The Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board also prohibited Mulcahy from obtaining Kentucky teaching certification in July 2024, according to board meeting minutes.
The civil lawsuit remains unresolved, and no jury has determined whether the allegations against Mulcahy are true.
When asked whether he continues to deny the allegations involving his former student, Mulcahy reiterated his position.
“I deny the allegations and look forward to resolving this case in court,” he told LINK nky. “Out of respect for the legal process and my family’s privacy, I will not comment further.”
Despite the protests and public attention, Dave and Lacey Mulcahy say they have no plans to close the bookstore.
The owners said they have not communicated directly with protesters and have encouraged people close to them to avoid engaging with demonstrators.
“People have the right to express their views,” they said. “We ask that everyone stay peaceful and respect our customers and neighbors.”
Ireland Mulcahy said there were tense interactions involving individuals near the Oct. 3 demonstration, although she said Dave and Lacey Mulcahy did not personally engage with protesters.
When asked whether continued demonstrations could threaten the bookstore’s future, the owners acknowledged the challenges of operating a small business amid the controversy.
“Like any small family business, we feel the strain,” they said. “We plan to keep our doors open.”
Meanwhile, Ireland Mulcahy said she believes the demonstrations are succeeding in making more people aware of the allegations and the ongoing legal proceedings. She said organizers are considering continuing the demonstrations on Saturdays, although she does not expect to participate in every protest.
Nathan Granger contributed to this story.
