DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. — A suburban Detroit landlord has agreed to pay $190,000 to settle sexual harassment allegations against women who lived in his buildings or were potential tenants, the federal government announced Monday.
The U.S. Department of Justice intervened on the women’s behalf and filed a lawsuit a year ago.
“No one should be denied the opportunity to live in safe, affordable housing because of their refusal to submit to the sexual demands of a landlord,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the U.S. Civil Rights Division. ministry.
Mohamad Hussein denied the allegations but agreed to a settlement to avoid the inconvenience and expense of litigation, according to an agreement filed in federal court in Detroit.
A message seeking comment was left with Hussein’s lawyer.
Hussein, who owned properties in Dearborn Heights, was accused of offering to reduce rent or make other financial concessions in exchange for sexual acts or sexually explicit images, the government said.
It will pay $17,500 each to six women and $40,000 each to two other women, in addition to $5,000 to the government, the agreement states.
Hussein will also hire a manager, with government approval, to oversee his properties.
The Justice Department said it has filed 39 residential sexual harassment lawsuits in the United States and recovered more than $12 million for victims since 2017.
ABC News
