Memphis, TN – In a shocking case of exploitation, a Lexington landlord has been accused of subjecting female tenants to sexual harassment and retaliation, the federal government announced today.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, alleges that Chad David Ables, owner and manager of rental properties in Henderson County, including a mobile home park called Pops Cove, engaged in a pattern of sexual harassment against multiple female tenants.
According to the complaint, Ables conditioned housing or housing benefits on female tenants’ agreement to engage in sexual acts, subjected at least one female tenant to unwanted sexual touching, made unwelcome sexual comments and advances to female tenants, and took adverse housing-related actions against female residents when they refused his sexual advances.
No woman should ever be subjected to sexual harassment or intimidation in her home, said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. The Fair Housing Act protects tenants from harassment and retaliation by their landlords, and the Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce this law and seek relief for victims.
Every person in this district deserves the right to live in a place of their choosing without fear of sexual harassment. This is not a small town issue or a big city issue, but an issue of respect and dignity, said D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate the victims, a civil penalty to vindicate the public interest, and a court order barring future discrimination and harassment. The complaint contains allegations of unlawful conduct; the allegations must be proven in federal court.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status.
The Justice Department launched an initiative to combat sexual harassment in housing in October 2017 and has since filed nine lawsuits alleging a pattern or practice of sexual harassment in housing. The Department has recovered over $1.6 million for victims of sexual harassment in housing since January 2017.
Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Category: Sex Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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