Filomeno Hernandez, Sexual Harassment, California 2023

LOS ÁNGELES – Filomeno Hernández, Ramin Akhavan, Bonnie Brae Investment Services LLC and Westlake Property Services LLC are being accused of violating the Fair Housing Act by allegedly harassing female tenants at two residential buildings in the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles for over a decade.

According to a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Hernández, the property manager, repeatedly and frequently engaged in unwanted and unwelcome sexual contact, including sexual assault, suggestive comments and offers to reduce rent or forgive late payments in exchange for sex.

Hernández allegedly entered the homes of tenants without their consent and made unwanted advances.

“The sexual harassment of vulnerable women is not acceptable and we will not tolerate this type of behavior by landlords or property managers,” said Nick Hanna, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California.

“We will hold accountable those who abuse their position of power under the Fair Housing Act,” Hanna added.

The complaint alleges that Hernández’s conduct violated the federal Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on sex, among other protected characteristics.

The lawsuit seeks damages, civil penalties, and a court order prohibiting future discrimination.

In 2017, the U.S. Attorney’s Office launched an initiative to combat sexual harassment in housing, and since then, 13 lawsuits have been filed alleging a pattern or practice of sexual harassment in housing.

The public is encouraged to report any instances of sexual harassment or other forms of housing discrimination to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Those who believe they have been victims of sexual harassment or other forms of housing discrimination are encouraged to call the Housing Discrimination Hotline at 1-800-896-7743 and press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish to leave a message.

Related Federal Cases