Danny T. Bell, Sexual Harassment, Kentucky 2023

GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE

Kentucky Landlord Sued for Sexually Harassing Female Tenants

by Grimy Times Staff

The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Danny T. Bell, the owner and operator of rental properties in Pulaski County, Kentucky, for engaging in sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

According to the complaint, Bell made repeated and unwelcome sexual comments to female tenants, entered the homes of female tenants without their consent, touched female tenants’ bodies without their consent, offered reduced or free rent in exchange for sexual contact and took adverse housing-related actions against female tenants who refused his sexual advances.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe at home, and sexual harassment in housing destroys that feeling of security,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce the Fair Housing Act to protect tenants from harassment and retaliation by their landlords.”

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 Justice Department launched its Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative in October 2017, which has led to the filing of 30 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $9.8 million for victims of such harassment.

Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned or managed by Bell, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, may contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-833-591-0291, select a language, and select option number 2, then option number 8 to leave a message.

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