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Iowa Landlord Faces Sexual Harassment Charges
A federal lawsuit alleging that Davenport, Iowa, landlord Juan Goitia sexually harassed female tenants has led to a $135,000 settlement with the Justice Department.
The lawsuit, filed in 2020, claimed that Goitia and 908 Bridge Cooperative, which managed the properties where the harassment occurred, subjected female tenants to unwelcome sexual comments and advances, touching their bodies without consent, entering their homes without notice, and taking adverse actions against those who resisted his overtures or complained about the harassment.
Under the agreement, which must be approved by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, Goitia is prohibited from managing rental housing and must hire an independent property manager. Additionally, both Goitia and 908 Bridge Cooperative must obtain fair housing training, implement non-discrimination policies, and establish complaint procedures to prevent future harassment.
“Sexual harassment by housing providers is an illegal and egregious abuse of power that deprives tenants of their right to be safe and secure in their homes,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to protecting the rights of vulnerable tenants subjected to sexual harassment and will continue to hold landlords accountable and obtain relief for survivors.”
The Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative has filed 23 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $9.6 million for victims since launching the initiative in October 2017.
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status. Individuals can report sexual harassment or other forms of housing discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-833-591-0291 or submitting a report online.
Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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