The Justice Department has initiated a civil rights lawsuit against Illinois landlord Michael J. DeWitte, accusing him of sexually harassing his female tenants, in violation of the Fair Housing Act. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, and it asserts that since at least 2002, DeWitte has engaged in predatory behavior, which includes making sexual advances and comments on women's appearances and offering housing benefits in exchange for sexual favors.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division condemned the behavior, stating, "Landlords cannot use their position of power to sexually harass someone who simply wants a place to live." Clarke's remarks emphasize the Department's commitment to enforcing tenants' rights to harassment-free housing. "We encourage survivors to speak out so that we can vindicate their fair housing rights." These comments were mirrored by U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris for the Central District of Illinois, who urged victims to come forward and assured them that such abuses of power will not be tolerated. “No one should ever be asked to trade their body for a home,” Harris said, in a statement obtained by the Justice Department.
The allegations against DeWitte range from offering to strip tenants to asking for sexual acts in exchange for a lower rent. The lawsuit calls for monetary damages for the victims, civil penalties, and a prevention order against future discrimination. The Department’s action falls under the Fair Housing Act, which protects individuals from housing discrimination based on several factors, including sex.
In line with combating such misconduct, the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative has been active since October 2017. Since then, the initiative has filed 44 lawsuits and recovered more than $17 million for victims of sexual harassment. Survivors or individuals with relevant information are encouraged to come forward and contact the Justice Department at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Illinois through their official lines. Although the current complaint is still merely an allegation, the Justice Department is determined to bring perpetrators of sexual misconduct within housing to justice. For those wishing to report abuse or seek help, the contact details are available on the Justice Department website.
