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Public commenter accuses Councilmember Sheikh of elder financial abuse; Sheikh calls allegations a smear
Summary
A member of the public used the meeting's public-comment period to accuse Councilmember Assam Sheikh of elder financial abuse involving the late John A. Fleming and alleged financial transfers exceeding $1.5 million; Sheikh denied the claims and described them as a smear campaign.
During Oral Communications, a signed speaker identified as John H. directed a string of allegations at Councilmember Assam Sheikh, asking whether Sheikh had been a defendant in a lawsuit alleging financial elder abuse and asserting that Mr. Fleming had transferred property and assets 'amounting to more than $1,500,000.' John H. also asked why property-tax bills were mailed to Sheikh at Torrance City Hall and leveled other claims about burial instructions, a missing American veterans flag and handling of Mr. Fleming’s care.
John H. framed his remarks as questions to Sheikh and concluded as his time expired; the council did not take formal action on the allegations during the meeting.
Councilmember Sheikh responded during a later public-comment slot, calling the allegations a politically motivated smear and denying wrongdoing. Sheikh said his opponent and campaign supporters were making false claims and that agencies contacted so far had not substantiated the complaints. “This is a smear campaign,” Sheikh said, and insisted his hands are "completely clear."
City Council did not open an investigation on the floor, and no city action or council referral to investigate these allegations was recorded in the public meeting transcript. The claims remain allegations raised in public comment and were disputed by Sheikh.
Because the allegations concern private conduct and have not been litigated or substantiated in the meeting record, the transcript-based status for these claims is unresolved.
