Roseville, Michigan – Wayne County Deputy Acquitted of Charges
A Wayne County sheriff’s deputy was found not guilty of ethnic intimidation and assault in a case that has drawn significant public interest. The jury’s decision came on Thursday, following a trial that started just a few days earlier on Tuesday. This case involved an incident that took place at a Marshalls store in Roseville just days before Christmas.
The Incident
The accusations against Deputy Tenia Fleming, who is 44 years old and from Detroit, stemmed from an encounter with an 18-year-old woman from Fraser on December 15, 2023. According to prosecutor records, it was claimed that Fleming yelled racial slurs and threw a pillow at the young woman during the incident. The prosecution, which pursued the case after it was brought to their attention that Fleming was a law enforcement officer, initiated charges against her in March. Initially, Fleming was charged under her married name, but she uses her maiden name professionally.
Trial and Verdict
After hearing testimony and examining the evidence presented, the jury concluded that there was not enough proof to hold Fleming responsible for the alleged actions. Lillian Diallo, Fleming’s attorney, expressed her satisfaction with the verdict, saying, “I think it was a good decision, I really do.” Diallo noted that the jurors were diverse and attentive throughout the trial.
In her statement to the public, Diallo remarked, “They listened, and they called it as they saw it.” She mentioned that Fleming had been on unpaid suspension from her duties during the proceedings, but she is hopeful that Fleming will return to her role as a sheriff’s deputy shortly.
Defense’s Argument
Diallo had previously argued that the evidence against Fleming was weak and one-sided. She criticized how the situation was handled, suggesting that authorities rushed to put a warrant in the mail based solely on the accusations made by the young woman. Diallo claimed that no representative from the police department or prosecutor’s office reached out to gather more details or hear Fleming’s side of the story. Furthermore, Diallo highlighted that the materials, including video footage, photos, a 911 call, and police body camera recordings, did not support the charges of ethnic intimidation or racial comments.
Community Reaction
Next Steps
Now that the jury has reached its decision, Fleming’s future remains uncertain. Diallo is advocating for her client’s reinstatement and emphasizes her track record as a well-respected member of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office. As the case closes, it leaves residents wondering about the implications for both the sheriff’s office and community relations regarding law enforcement.
The case serves as a reminder of the intricacies involved when law enforcement officers are faced with accusations. With varying opinions on the result, it highlights the challenges faced by those in positions of power, and the importance of due process in the legal system.
