In a recent development, the US Attorney's Office in the Central District of California announced the resolution of a federal lawsuit involving allegations of sexual harassment by a property manager at a Koreatown apartment building. The property manager, Abraham Kesary, was accused of violating the Fair Housing Act through his actions, and the apartment building owner, M&F Development LLC, has now agreed to settle, as mentioned by the US Attorney's Office in the Central District of California.
The settlement involves M&F Development paying $120,000 to compensate individuals harmed by Kesary's harassment and an additional $10,000 as a civil penalty to the United States according to the consent order. Furthermore, the consent order permanently bars Kesary from property management while also requiring the appointment of an independent property manager, approved by the Department of Justice, for the Koreatown rental property.
As part of the agreement, Kesary and M&F Development must adhere to several protective measures, including prohibiting future discrimination and retaliation, engaging in Fair Housing Act training, and submitting to extensive monitoring and reporting on property management activities in accordance with the consent order's terms.
The lawsuit alleged that between 2012 and 2020, Kesary was engaged in acts of sexual harassment against multiple female tenants residing in the apartment building. According to the allegations, Kesary offered housing-related benefits in exchange for sexual acts, made unwelcome sexual comments and advances, entered female residents' homes without their permission, and subjected the tenants to inappropriate sexual acts.
United States Attorney Martin Estrada stated, "Our office will not stand for unlawful discrimination of any type," explaining that the allegations of the prolonged sexual harassment against female residents in this case are disturbing and unacceptable. He affirmed the commitment to holding landlords and property managers accountable for discrimination and harassment while using the Fair Housing Act as a tool for seeking justice and protecting victims.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division also asserted the importance of tenants' rights to live in their homes without experiencing sexual harassment perpetrated by landlords. Clarke emphasized that the Justice Department would continue to enforce fair housing laws against landlords engaging in predatory behavior toward vulnerable residents.
Individuals who believe they have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination are encouraged to contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-833-591-0291 or report these incidents by email to the Justice Department at [email protected] or online. They can also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or online.
