Flint City Councilman Faces Residency and Legal Issues
In Flint, Michigan, the city councilman Leon El Alamine may have been living outside the city he represents, potentially complicating his legal troubles. Recent findings suggest that official records clash with El Alamine’s claims about his residency. The Daily Caller News Foundation revealed that he has benefited from Michigan’s “clean slate” program, introduced under Governor Gretchen Whitmer, which helps individuals with criminal records. However, the Michigan State Department is currently looking into allegations that El Alamine resides in nearby Mount Morris Township, where he was involved in a domestic violence case this past July.
Court documents indicate that El Alamine is accused of assaulting a woman during a July incident. Authorities reported that the victim had visible injuries, with police noting signs of a struggle. According to statements made, this woman has said they shared a romantic relationship and cohabitated in Mount Morris, despite his role on the Flint City Council beginning in June 2023.
El Alamine’s legal representation has not responded to requests for comments regarding these matters. He expressed confidence in the legal process, stating that the recent allegations are unfounded. His lawyers have criticized the scrutiny regarding his residency as malicious political maneuvering.
El Alamine, previously a Ferron, was appointed to the council in March 2024 following the death of a council member. After running for a full term, he won in November with 52% of the vote. His eligibility as a Flint resident is in question, though he is recognized as such in city records since 2023. However, Flint’s property tax records do not list him as owning property within the city. Instead, the database shows listings related to the Made Institute, a nonprofit he co-founded to assist individuals with criminal backgrounds.
Interestingly, while El Alamine claims to live in Mount Morris, his name shows up in their tax database for a property he supposedly shares. The Made Institute did not respond to inquiries regarding the matter, and it appears local officials have forwarded the victim’s claims to state authorities but have not commented further.
El Alamine’s prior convictions for drug-related offenses have been wiped clean under recent changes in Michigan’s expungement laws, which expanded eligibility. He has been an advocate for reforming the justice system, working to prevent landlords in Flint from using criminal history in rental decisions.
While El Alamine has faced a series of questions—both about his residency and his legal standing—he continues to maintain his innocence regarding the assault charges. He was released from custody with a GPS monitor and has no contact order concerning the alleged victim, according to court records. This case brings to light the complexities surrounding his past and present as he navigates his role in city governance while dealing with significant legal challenges.
