Featured photo: Flint City Councilman Leon El-Alamin
Written by Tanya Terry
After an alleged victim testified against him during a September 23 preliminary examination,
Flint City Councilman Leon El-Alamin’s case will advance to Genesee Circuit Court. The
district court judge has determined there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
According to the victim’s testimony, she was making copies of his emails in their home to show
others what he had been doing before El-Alamin became very violent. She said he yanked her
out of a chair, dragged her by her hair, punched her in the head and choked her with his forearm,
while yelling and cussing at her and calling her names in their home, also grabbing her shirt and
throwing her. She said he allegedly threated to continue beating her if she did not give him his
phone, which she said she threw away. She stated she took another phone issued to El-Alamin by
the City, locked herself in the bathroom and called 911 for help.
The alleged victim said she struggled to breathe while trying to get loose from the councilman.
She stated she had been in and out of a relationship with the councilman and she shared a home
and a child with him.
The officer who took the 911 call also testified. Police said the alleged victim was shaking while
asked to write what happened and needed help doing so. The testifying officer also stated in
court he saw lacerations across the alleged victim’s nose, bump on her face and blood.
El-Alamin was not in the home when police arrived.
According to the alleged victim, she heard El-Alamin call someone while she was locked in the
bathroom, saying “Help me drag this b**** out of the house” before he left.
The defense attorney argued the alleged victim had told police she had been punched in the face,
which appeared on the police report, according to the attorney. In court, the alleged victim said
she did not remember that and any report stating that was incorrect.
El-Alamin has said he is innocent of all charges but did not speak in the courtroom during the
September 23 preliminary examination. He is out on bond and is required to wear a tether. He
has returned to Flint City Council meetings but stands to loose his seat if he is convicted. He is
accused of domestic violence and felony assault.
El-Alamin stated the following to the Courier after the preliminary exam had taken place:
“As the first ward city councilman, I take these allegations very seriously. I want to make it clear
that I am innocent of the charges brought against me.
“The recent preliminary hearing has only reinforced my belief in my innocence. My attorney did
an exceptional job cross-examining the two witnesses, including the alleged victim and the
police officer.
“I am confident in my attorney’s ability to represent me in this case and to ensure that the truth
comes to light. I appreciate the support from my community during this challenging time, and
look forward to clearing my name.”
