Editor’s note: WHTC morning news anchor Peg McNichol was one of the two reporters who investigated and reported allegations for Deadline Detroit.
DETROIT (WHTC-AM/FM) — Explosive details about a prominent Michigan journalist suggests why he left his Wayne State University post after more than 20 years as an instructor.
University officials hired outside attorney Tara E. Mahoney, a partner at the Detroit-based Honigman law firm, to independently examine accusations against Jack Lessenberry, the day after a May 17 report in Deadline Detroit reporting a series of allegations stretching back nearly 30 years, to his days as a manager at the Commerical Appeal in Mephis to his 1993-2018 career as a WSU instructor.
Mahoney’s report shows he took advantage of some female students, showering them with compliments about their looks, sending provocative emails, and engaging in “numerous passionate kissing sessions” while on W-S-U property, in his office and his car, with at least one recent female student.
Lessenberry quit his long-time role as a political commentator for Metro Times and Michigan Public Radio after Deadline Detroit’s first story.
Mahoney’s report indicated she examined emails sent to students.
After telling W-S-U officials he’s cooperate with the investigation, he refused to participate and quit his teaching job, which included leading the journalism program.
Lessenberry continues to deny the allegations, telling The Detroit News this week, in part, “Much of this is wholly untrue, inaccurate or distorted, but you can’t prove a negative, especially when your accusers are not identified.”
manager at the Tennessee Commercial Appeal to his 1993-2018 time as an instructor at Wayne.
