Abraham Kesary, Sexual Harassment, California 2024

Abraham Kesary, a rental property manager, has been charged with sexual harassment at a Los Angeles rental property, according to a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. Kesary, along with the property owner M&F Development LLC, is accused of engaging in sexual harassment of female tenants at 445 S. Western Avenue in Los Angeles since at least 2012.

The lawsuit alleges that Kesary offered housing-related benefits in exchange for sexual acts, made unwelcome sexual comments and advances to female tenants, entered the homes of female tenants without their permission, and subjected female tenants to unwelcome sexual acts. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said that Kesary allegedly abused his power as a property manager to sexually harass and victimize vulnerable tenants for years.

The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate persons harmed by the alleged harassment, a civil penalty to vindicate the public interest, and a court order barring future discrimination. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said that sexual harassment is a violation of the Fair Housing Act, and the government will do everything in its power to seek justice for victims of discrimination and harassment. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division said, "No one should be subjected to demands for sex, sexual comments or propositions in exchange for safe and affordable housing."

The Justice Department launched its Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative in October 2017, which has led to 31 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $10.7 million for victims of such harassment. Individuals who believe they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned or managed by Abraham Kesary or M&F Development LLC may contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-833-591-0291 or email the department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov.

U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California added, "Sexual harassment is a violation of the Fair Housing Act, and the government will do everything in its power to seek justice for victims of discrimination and harassment." The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

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