Kentucky Landlord and Rental Manager Reach Settlement After Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

Sexual harassment is never acceptable, whether it occurs at the workplace, at a school, or in your home. While many sexual harassment lawsuits occur in connection to incidents experienced by employees, tenants are also commonly victimized. In a recent lawsuit filed in Kentucky, a settlement was reached after a landlord and rental manager were sued for sexually harassing various female tenants. In addition, the guilty parties were forced to pay civil penalties to the United States.

If you have experienced sexual harassment as a tenant, you are fully within your rights to take legal action against negligent parties. Due to federal laws such as the Civil Rights Act and the Sexual Harassment Housing Initiative, you are protected from this kind of harassment in all situations. Work with a qualified, experienced attorney in Kentucky who specializes in sexual harassment lawsuits, and you can pursue a positive legal outcome in an efficient manner. With a successful lawsuit, you can receive a substantial settlement for your damages.

A Long History of Harassment

The main harasser in this Kentucky lawsuit was Gus Crank, an individual who was managing rental properties owned by Penny Crank. Over a period of about 10 years, Gus repeatedly harassed a number of female tenants. The victims alleged that they were subject to unwelcome sexual touching, offers to reduce rent in exchange for sex, unwelcome sexual comments, and unwelcome sexual advances.

In addition, Gus was accused of making unannounced visits to harass women. He also evicted or threatened to evict women who refused his sexual advances. All of this is of course highly illegal, and the Cranks are now facing considerable consequences.

The Cranks Settle

The Cranks have now reached an agreement with the Justice Department. They will pay a total of $48,000 in damages to the female tenants that were harassed, and they must pay an additional civil penalty of $2,000 to the United States. Furthermore, the Cranks have been banned from any further activities involving property management of rental units. Penny Crank quickly sold the rental property where Gus Crank harassed the female tenants.

The Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative

Unfortunately, this is only one example of sexual harassment in the real estate world. Many other similar stories have emerged from Kentucky. Many of these cases are being handled by the Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative, which is led by the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department. Since the launch of the Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative, the Department of Justice has filed 22 lawsuits involving sexual harassment in housing, resulting in more than $4 million in settlements for victims.

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today

If you’ve been searching the Kentucky area for a qualified, experienced attorney who specializes in sexual harassment lawsuits, there are plenty of options available. These legal professionals understand the specific laws that pertain to these matters, and they are committed to helping victims seek justice. Book your consultation today and learn more about your legal options.