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Veteran Detroit News reporter caught up in sex scandal with state treasurer’s ex-wife
The Detroit News has removed its veteran city hall reporter from his beat following allegations that he was having an affair with the ex-wife of state Treasurer Andy Dillon and then threatened to kill her with a baseball bat, sources at the newspaper and Lansing confirmed today.
The allegations are serious, for one, because reporter Leonard Fleming was closely covering Dillon’s office as it negotiated a controversial state takeover of Detroit City Hall. Fleming continued to report on Dillon’s takeover plan until at least last month, when editors learned of the affair.
In the meantime, Fleming’s relationship with Carol Dillon apparently went sour, and he began harassing her and even sent her a picture of his penis, according to a personal protection order granted to her two weeks ago.
Detroit News executive editor Donald Nauss declined to comment on “personnel issues” but said Fleming won’t be covering city hall anymore.
Fleming, who has not published a story in more than a week, couldn’t be reached for comment. Nor could Carol Dillon, who has four children with the treasurer.
Dillon’s office declined to comment.
So why does it matter that two consenting adults were having sex?
Fleming was the key Detroit News reporter writing about the potential appointment of an emergency manager, an issue that has divided and incensed Detroiters. More than any government official, Dillon has been at the center of state negotiations with the city.
When Dillon reached a consent agreement with the city last year, Fleming was the main reporter. He stayed on the story, often reporting daily on the plan’s progress. His last story involving Dillon’s office ran Dec. 22, when he reported that state officials were reworking an agreement with the city to accelerate cuts.
The affair puts the Detroit News in an uncomfortable position. The newspaper has doggedly reported on other sex scandals and called for the dismissal of those involved. Think former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and ex-Police Chief Ralph Godbee.
Details of the affair and any discipline against Fleming aren’t clear.
Come back for updates.
Got tips or suggestions? Contact Steve at sneavling@gmail.com.
Steve Neavling is an investigative journalist and former city hall reporter for the Detroit Free Press. Living on the city’s east side, Neavling explores corruption, civil liberties and the underbelly of an oft-misunderstood city.
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About Steve Neavling
Steve Neavling is an investigative journalist and former City Hall reporter for the Detroit Free Press. His stories have uncovered corruption, prompted FBI investigations and led to arrests and reforms. Neavling’s work currently explores Detroit’s unsung heroes and the inner-workings of an often misunderstood city.
19 Responses to Veteran Detroit News reporter caught up in sex scandal with state treasurer’s ex-wife
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Frank Tomcsik
January 25, 2013 at 12:24 pm
Don’t be fooled by the photo, many opinions would classify this guy is an uncivilized sick sicko.
Meke
February 17, 2013 at 10:41 pm
I met Carol personally.. She was stalking him… It was just like a real “Fatal Attraction” when the smoke clears… the city, and those who are deeming Leonard guilty before the truth is out… will be owing him a HUGE apology.
Leonard and the police already have the evidence.
Think about this… if there had been any substance to Carol’s claims.. wouldn’t Leonard have been charged with something or be in jail by now?
Pingback: Sources: Before threatening to kill ex-wife of state official, Detroit News reporter was headed to WXYZ-TV Channel 7 | Motor City Muckraker |
Pingback: Leonard Fleming, Detroit Reporter, Allegedly Harasses Carol Dillon, Ex-Wife Of State Treasurer Andy Dillon | USEC IM USA Edition
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Crystal
January 24, 2013 at 10:25 pm
I know Leonard, I highly doubt her accusations are true..it’s not hard to get a op..he’s a good looking, intelligent guy…he would never threaten anyone with a bat, or kill someone..that guy is not that stupid..broads are Crazy some more than others..
Natalie
January 24, 2013 at 2:28 pm
It is an old story Carol is a stalker. Once you go black you cant go back. I live in the neighborhood. This crazy broad was stalking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She was in the neighborhood clowning this guy.
Mr. L.
January 24, 2013 at 12:51 pm
hope the’re both the same color,or someone might be ‘pointing their finger(s)’
Eric
January 24, 2013 at 12:28 pm
It’s newsworther, after all, this is the muckraker.
Jerry
January 24, 2013 at 12:09 pm
Bring that baseball bat and threaten me–I’ll shove it so far up yer %$# you,ll
be writing sports for a month, coward.
Crystal
January 28, 2013 at 11:07 am
That guy didn’t threaten her with a bat..that would have to be in writing or taped to be beileveable. U think a educated writer would put that in writing. Broads are crazy would she be the first to make stuff up about a guy that wasn’t interested in her. Fatal attraction.
Pingback: Detroit’s City Hall Reporter Fired for Affair with State Treasurer’s Ex-Wife | EUR This N That | Urban Black News Blog
Greg Thrasher
January 24, 2013 at 7:43 am
This is news worthy?
Paul Gomez
January 23, 2013 at 8:28 pm
he stayed on top -of-the story alright,
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Keith ODonald
January 23, 2013 at 5:40 pm
What’s the problem …..this Guy did EVERYTHING he could to get the inside story!……Andy’s screwin Us…..SO, dot, dot, dot!!
Kimberly Kane
January 23, 2013 at 5:32 pm
This kind of gossip is not the least bit news worthy! How bout reporting where our city tax dollars are going???
A man called E
January 23, 2013 at 2:54 pm
Busted!