A report from the Los Angeles Times has uncovered disturbing sexual assault allegations involving a prominent music executive – Scott Leonard – from the serene desert town of Joshua Tree, known for its artistic community and stunning landscapes. Two local artists have come forward with claims of sexual assault and drugging at the iconic Kellogg Doolittle house, owned by Leonard. These accusations have cast a shadow over the Joshua Tree music scene and raised questions about safety and power dynamics within the industry.
Scott Leonard, a former major-label record executive and artist manager, purchased the Kellogg Doolittle house in 2021 for $6.55 million. This architectural marvel, designed by Ken Kellogg, is a modernist dream nestled into the cliffside just north of Joshua Tree National Park. With its fanned concrete roof panels and dramatically curved rock walls, the house has become a symbol of luxury and exclusivity in the area.
Leonard’s presence in the Joshua Tree community has been significant. He’s known for hosting high-profile events at the Kellogg Doolittle house, including a private concert by Grammy winner Alicia Keys in February 2023. For aspiring musicians in the area, an invitation to this house could seem like a golden opportunity.
Australian folk and Americana musician Jamie-Lee Dimes, 35, moved to Joshua Tree seven years ago, drawn by its natural beauty and artistic energy. In August 2022, Dimes alleges that Leonard invited her to his home under the pretense of discussing her music career. According to her police report, what followed was a horrifying experience of drugging and sexual assault.
Dimes alleges that after playing some songs for Leonard, she began feeling disoriented, as if under the influence of a heavy tranquilizer. She alleges that Leonard took her to a bedroom with a large circular bed, where the assault occurred. The next morning, Dimes says she woke up with bruises and blood on her thighs, unable to walk properly.
“He was naked beside me, which freaked me out because there was no way I consented. … I saw blood all around my thighs, my menstrual cup was shoved up my cervix. I couldn’t walk and I was screaming,” she said in her police report.
“I am so severely traumatized I haven’t been able to function,” Dimes told police. “I honestly feel like my entire life has been flipped upside down because of this man taking advantage of me, sexually assaulting me … and thinking I won’t say anything because of his business and music connections.”
“This has been one of the worst times in my life,” Dimes said to the LA Times. “If this is what I have to tolerate to have a career in music, I would rather speak up.”
A year earlier, in November 2021, writer and visual artist Courtney Barriger had a similarly disturbing experience at the Kellogg Doolittle house. Barriger, who had known Leonard socially for seven years, attended a small gathering at his newly-purchased home.
According to Barriger’s police report, Leonard offered her a pineapple-flavored cocktail late in the evening. After drinking it, she experienced a rush of energy and enhanced visuals, leading her to believe she had been drugged. Barriger alleges that later in the evening, Leonard then attempted to seduce her, forcefully pulling her onto a bed and attempting to kiss her.
“I’m just thinking, How do I get this man out of here?” Barriger recalled in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. “I started to get that shark-in-the-water feeling again, like he was dangerous and very aggressive. I’m drunk and can’t drive home. I just went super stiff, like ‘How do I just make this stop as fast as possible and get out of there?’ “
In her police report, Barringer said that after she went stiff and demanded he stop, Leonard eventually left the room. The next morning, she “went to High Desert Medical Center to get a test for MDMA, where staff told her she would have to file a police report before she could be tested,” but she “was not ready to file a report at the time.”
The allegations against Scott Leonard highlight the vulnerability of young artists in smaller music scenes like Joshua Tree. Many aspiring musicians and artists move to the area seeking a more affordable and creatively fulfilling life, away from the pressures of big cities like Los Angeles. However, the presence of industry connections and powerful figures can create situations where artists feel pressure to tolerate inappropriate behavior for the sake of their careers.
The tight-knit nature of the Joshua Tree community can also make it challenging for victims to come forward. Both Dimes and Barriger expressed initial hesitation in reporting their experiences, fearing the impact on their careers and lives in the small town.
Both women have filed reports with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. However, the investigation process has faced significant hurdles. In April 2023, the department suffered a cyberattack that crippled its computer systems and databases, forcing both victims to resubmit their statements and information in May 2024.
The delay and complications in the investigation process have added to the frustration and trauma experienced by the alleged victims.
These allegations against Scott Leonard are part of a larger pattern of abuse allegations in the music industry. High-profile cases involving figures like Diddy have brought increased attention to the issue of sexual misconduct and abuse of power within the entertainment world.
For the Joshua Tree artist community, these incidents have raised serious concerns about safety and trust. The area’s appeal as a haven for creative individuals may be compromised if artists feel vulnerable to exploitation or assault.
Moving forward, there’s a clear need for greater accountability and changes in industry power structures. Artists and community members in Joshua Tree and similar artistic enclaves must work together to create safer spaces and support systems for those pursuing their creative dreams.
As of the latest information available, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the allegations against Scott Leonard. However, no charges have been filed at this time. The investigation process has faced delays due to a cyberattack on the department’s computer systems in April 2023.
While there hasn’t been a unified public response from the Joshua Tree artist community, the allegations have raised concerns about safety and trust within the local music and art scene. Many artists are likely reevaluating their interactions and being more cautious about private industry events.
Aspiring artists should prioritize their safety by meeting industry professionals in public places, bringing a trusted friend to private meetings, and being cautious about accepting drinks from others. It’s also important to trust your instincts and leave any situation that feels uncomfortable or unsafe.
While specific support systems for artists in Joshua Tree may be limited, there are general resources available for victims of assault and harassment. These include local law enforcement, national hotlines, and victim advocacy groups like RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). The artistic community may also be working to establish more targeted support networks in response to these recent allegations.
Survivors of sexual assault often encounter frustrations with the criminal justice system. Similar to the hurdles faced by Jamie-Lee Dimes and Courtney Barringer, criminal investigations can drag on for years, and waiting for justice can be unnerving. But civil law can afford survivors of sexual assault another means of getting the justice they deserve.
In California, any survivor of sexual assault who was victimized between 2009 and the present can now file a civil lawsuit against a perpetrator for financial damages. A new law known as AB 2777 opens a temporary window allowing survivors whose crimes may have occurred outside of the standard statute of limitations to still file claims. Even if your sexual assault occurred as far back as 2009, you may still pursue justice by filing a civil lawsuit.
To speak with a Los Angeles sexual assault lawyer from Dordulian Law Group, contact us today at 866-GO-SEE-SAM. Consultations are always free, confidential, and without any obligation.
Dordulian Law Group was founded by Sam Dordulian, a former sex crimes prosecutor who now fights in civil court on behalf of survivors impacted by sexual assault, sexual harassment, rape, and all forms of sexual violence. Dordulian serves as a member of the National Leadership Council for RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence nonprofit.
Mr. Dordulian founded his firm to include a 4-tiered team which provides support and resources for clients in addition to expert legal representation. Our SAJE Team (Sexual Assault Justice Experts) features a dedicated and proven group of attorneys as well as:
Our Los Angeles sexual assault lawyers and SAJE Team have successfully helped countless survivors recover maximum financial damages awards and obtain the justice they deserve. To date, we’ve secured more than $200 million for clients like you. When you’re ready to take the first step towards getting the justice you deserve as a survivor of sexual assault, we’re here to listen, to believe, to support, and to fight tirelessly on your behalf.
Our Sexual Assault Justice Experts are here to help survivors secure justice. Contact our top-rated attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.
Dordulian Law Group’s SAJE Team works solely on a contingency fee basis, which means you never have to worry about upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses when hiring the very best Los Angeles sexual assault lawyers available. Our No Win/No Fee Guarantee ensures that you won’t pay a penny until we win your case and recover a damages award.
Contact us today at 866-GO-SEE-SAM to take the first step towards getting justice for your sexual assault.
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