The chef and co-owner of Warlord, a restaurant in Avondale, has been charged with felony nonconsensual dissemination of a sexual image. Trevor Fleming, 41, was accused of sharing explicit images of a former partner without her consent in 2023. Police and court records confirm the charge.
Fleming was released under electronic monitoring after a detention hearing on January 18. On Monday, his former partner obtained an order of protection against him. According to her petition for the order, Fleming sent photos depicting them engaged in sexual activity to others without her knowledge or permission.
The woman said she feared further abuse from Fleming and cited past verbal and emotional mistreatment as reasons for seeking legal protection. “That was an insane thing — I did not know he took the photos,” she told Block Club Chicago. She added that although filing for protection was difficult, she wants justice and encourages others with similar experiences to come forward: “I encourage more women who have had this happen to them — whether from him or not — to advocate for themselves and go to the police because the system has taken it seriously,” she said. “Even though I am scared, my safety has been taken seriously by law enforcement. … I am not alone and I want justice to be served.”
Court documents show that Fleming is prohibited from contacting the woman or entering certain areas; he must also surrender his FOID card and any weapons.
A second woman who worked with Fleming in 2024 also received an order of protection against him in early 2025. In her statement to the court, she described an incident where Fleming allegedly tried to strangle her with a scarf while verbally threatening her near Warlord’s alleyway. The order prohibits Fleming from visiting specific locations while she is present and requests that he undergo counseling for domestic abuse and mental health issues.
Fleming’s attorney declined comment but noted that many allegations have not been brought before law enforcement.
News about these incidents circulated widely on social media after food writer Michael Nagrant shared details via Instagram.
Warlord opened in 2023 and quickly gained popularity for its menu but has recently been removed from some restaurant rankings following these developments. Plans are underway by Fleming and his business partners to open another restaurant called Lords in Humboldt Park.
Resources remain available in Chicago for individuals affected by sexual assault or relationship abuse.
