Scott Leonard: Music Executive Faces Shocking Allegations of Drugging and Assaulting Women at Joshua Tree Home

In the heart of Joshua Tree, California, a stunning architectural marvel known as the Kellogg Doolittle House stands as a testament to modernist design. Built into a cliffside near Joshua Tree National Park, this unique residence features concrete roof panels and was created by the renowned master of organic architecture, Ken Kellogg. Owned by music executive Scott Leonard, the house has often served as a venue for exclusive events, including a private concert by Grammy winner Alicia Keys in February 2023, sponsored by Hennessy liquor. However, the house has recently become infamous for far more sinister reasons.

Two local artists, singer-songwriter Jamie-Lee Dimes and visual artist Courtney Barriger, have come forward with serious allegations against Leonard. Both women claim that during separate visits to the Kellogg Doolittle House, they were drugged and sexually assaulted by Leonard. These accusations have cast a dark shadow over Leonard’s reputation and raised significant concerns within the music industry and the local community of Joshua Tree.

Jamie-Lee Dimes, originally from Australia, moved to Joshua Tree to immerse herself in its vibrant artistic community and natural beauty. The town, known for its musical history with artists like Gram Parsons and U2, provided an affordable and creative lifestyle away from the high costs of Los Angeles. However, Dimes’ experience at the Kellogg Doolittle House in 2022 turned her dream into a nightmare. She alleges that Leonard invited her to his home under the pretense of discussing her music career, only to drug and rape her. Dimes reported waking up with bruises and her menstrual cup unnaturally inserted, a harrowing memory that she shared with the police in her home country of Australia.

Courtney Barriger, another artist residing in Joshua Tree, had a similarly traumatic experience at Leonard’s home in 2021. Barriger claims that during a small gathering at the Kellogg Doolittle House, Leonard drugged her and attempted to seduce her. She sought medical attention the following day to get tested for drugs but did not immediately report the incident to the police due to fear and uncertainty. Both women have since filed lawsuits against Leonard, seeking justice and accountability for the alleged assaults.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has faced criticism for its handling of the cases. Initial police reports filed by Dimes and Barriger were reportedly lost, complicating the investigation. Their lawyer, Nick Rowley, argues that Leonard has escaped criminal liability due to these lost reports. A newly filed police report reviewed by Eyewitness News this year has reignited the investigation, but Leonard has yet to be charged in either case. Rowley believes there is a pattern of behavior, suggesting that Leonard may have drugged and assaulted other women as well.

Adding to Leonard’s legal troubles are criminal charges related to a deadly fire at a recording studio he owned in 2022. The fire resulted in the death of Nathan Edwards and injury to Aimee Osbourne, daughter of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne. Leonard faces charges concerning the safety of the building, further tarnishing his public image. The combination of these incidents has led to a public outcry and growing concern about Leonard’s behavior and the potential danger he poses to others.

The Kellogg Doolittle House, once a symbol of architectural innovation and artistic gatherings, now stands as a haunting reminder of the allegations against its owner. For aspiring musicians and artists in Joshua Tree, what was once considered a highly memorable experience has been overshadowed by fear and mistrust. The local community, known for its close-knit and supportive environment, grapples with the reality that even in smaller, seemingly safer towns, young artists remain vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

Scott Leonard’s presence in Joshua Tree was notable not just for his wealth and connections but also for his impressive resume in the music industry. Having managed well-known artists and worked with major labels and creative agencies, Leonard’s influence was significant. Property records show that he purchased the Kellogg Doolittle House in 2021 for $6.55 million, further cementing his status in the community. However, the allegations against him have called into question the very foundation of his professional and personal life.

The impact of the alleged assaults on Dimes and Barriger extends beyond their personal trauma. Both women have experienced setbacks in their careers and personal well-being, with the weight of their experiences influencing their art and interactions within the community. Their decision to file lawsuits aims not only to seek justice for themselves but also to encourage other potential victims to come forward. Rowley, their attorney, has emphasized the importance of the civil justice system in holding Leonard accountable, especially given the complications with the police reports.

Leonard’s attorneys have remained largely silent on the matter, declining to respond to requests for comment from various news outlets. This silence has only fueled speculation and concern about Leonard’s actions and the potential for other victims to emerge. The ongoing investigation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department remains a focal point for those seeking answers and accountability.

The music industry, already plagued by high-profile assault allegations, finds itself once again confronting the darker aspects of its culture. The stories of Jamie-Lee Dimes and Courtney Barriger highlight the pervasive issue of sexual misconduct and exploitation within the industry, regardless of the setting. Whether in the bustling city of Los Angeles or the serene desert town of Joshua Tree, the need for systemic change and protection for artists is evident.

As the legal proceedings continue, the future of Scott Leonard and the Kellogg Doolittle House remains uncertain. The allegations have not only marred Leonard’s reputation but also cast a long shadow over the architectural gem he calls home. For the community of Joshua Tree and the broader music industry, the hope is that justice will prevail and that measures will be taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The resilience and courage of Dimes and Barriger serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out and seeking justice, no matter the obstacles.