Former Charles Pugh intern makes disturbing claims

A former intern originally hired by Charles Pugh at 14, has come forth with disturbing allegations.

Nathaniel Hill says Pugh tried to groom and manipulate him into having sex. He says it all began when he was 14 or 15 years old when he worked for Pugh while he was here at FOX 2 and on Detroit's City Council.

These new allegations could bolster the case against Pugh and Detroit Public Schools and tonight a few lawyers are weighing in.

Pornographic videos and sexual advances. That's just some of what Nathaniel Hill, now a convicted felon, says he was subjected to while working as a personal assistant to Pugh.

The allegations are listed in an affidavit and could be used against the former Detroit city council president in federal court.

"As far as the plaintiff, it could be very helpful to the case," said attorney Todd Perkins. "It could possibly push the case toward a settlement."

Hill says he spent plenty of time in Pugh's home and it wasn't unusual for him to talk with the teenager while there was pornography on his computer screen.

Hill also says there were a number of incidents where Pugh's body language and speech made him uncomfortable, they seemed to be sexual advances.

He also says it was clear Pugh was attracted to teenaged boys.

Pugh will head to trial in November. He allegedly offered a teenager in his mentoring program at Frederick Douglass Academy cash for sex.

The boy's lawyers want Hill to testify.

"It will go to bolster the complainant's allegations against Mr. Pugh in proving his case," said Nicole James, former prosecuting attorney turned defense lawyer.

"However they will experience some issues of credibility with this witness as well," James said. "This is someone who is in prison now on a carjacking car charge. And that's a very serious offense and violent offense."

Hill says he sent a semi-nude photo to Pugh who in turn allegedly pressured him for more. Hill refused and says Pugh fired him shortly after.

FOX 2: "Do you think the guy may have been coaxed into this statement?"

"That's what I would be looking for," Perkins said. "That's what I would be arguing."

Hill was Pugh's personal intern and was not hired by FOX 2 or connected to the station.

Now that Hill's story has been made public, the original trial has been adjourned until Nov. 3 to give the defense time to depose new witnesses. Nathaniel Hill is likely one of them.

Hill said he came forward because he said it was similar to what he says he experienced.