DOJ Sues Ohio Landlord Alfred Falgiani for Sexual Harassment of Female Tenants

The Justice Department has sued Girard, Ohio landlord Alfred Falgiani Jr., 72, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation against female tenants since 2008.

Ohio Landlord Faces Federal Lawsuit Over Decades of Alleged Tenant Harassment

DOJ Justice News reports that the U.S. Justice Department has filed a federal lawsuit against Alfred Falgiani Jr., 72, of Girard, Ohio, alleging that the rental property owner sexually harassed and retaliated against female tenants in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, alleges the harassment began as far back as 2008. According to the court filing, Falgiani offered housing-related benefits in exchange for sexual contact, made unwelcome sexual comments and advances, subjected tenants to unwanted touching and groping, and took adverse housing actions against women who refused his advances.

"When landlords exploit their position of power to harass or intimidate tenants, they violate the law," said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. "The Justice Department will continue to hold accountable those who abuse vulnerable residents and will work tirelessly to ensure that tenants can live free from sexual harassment and coercion."

U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio added: "No one should have to live in fear of a landlord making highly inappropriate advances. Housing owners and managers who engage in loathsome behavior and infringe on a person's right to feel secure in their own home will face justice."

The lawsuit seeks monetary damages for those harmed by the alleged conduct, civil penalties in the public interest, and a court order prohibiting future discrimination.

The case is part of the Justice Department's Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative, launched in October 2017. Since its inception, the initiative has resulted in 54 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and has recovered more than $19 million for victims.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of sexual harassment or other forms of housing discrimination at properties owned or managed by Falgiani is urged to contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-833-591-0291, or send an email to [email protected].

Source: DOJ Justice News