Wayne Co. Deputy Yells Racial Slur, Throws Pillow At Person Inside Marshalls: Prosecutors

ROSEVILLE, MI — A Wayne County deputy has been suspended without pay after yelling a racial slur and throwing a pillow at a person inside a Marshalls store in Roseville, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.

Tenia Fleming, 44, was charged with ethnic intimidation (2-year felony) and assault (93-day misdemeanor). Her next court date is Wednesday April, 3.

Prosecutors said the incident happened on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. Prosecutors did not release any other further details about the incident.

Macomb County prosecutors alerted the Wayne County Sheriffs' Office, who then suspected Fleming without pay amid an ongoing investigation. Prosecutors said the sheriff’s office’s internal affairs department is cooperating with the prosecutor’s office.

"Ethnic intimidation has no place in our society, especially from those tasked with safeguarding our communities. Equality under the law demands unwavering commitment, and any deviation from this principle will be met with the appropriate consequences," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.