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Nedzad Ukejnovic Accused of Sexually Harassing Tenants, St. Louis MO, 2022
A St. Louis landlord has been accused of sexually harassing multiple female tenants, prompting a $110,000 settlement with the federal government. Nedzad Ukejnovic allegedly subjected the women to vulgar demands for sex, according to a lawsuit filed by the U.S. government.
The lawsuit, which was filed in September 2022, alleges that Ukejnovic made unwelcome sexual advances, offered to reduce rent or security deposits in exchange for sex acts, and requested sexually explicit photos. The women also claimed that Ukejnovic would stare at their bodies in a sexual way, subject them to unwelcome sexual touching, and visit their homes for no legitimate purpose.
The matter was referred to the Justice Department after the HUD received two separate complaints alleging that Ukejnovic had violated the Fair Housing Act. The Justice Department investigated further and identified additional female tenants whom Ukejnovic allegedly sexually harassed.
Under the settlement, Ukejnovic is required to pay $85,000 to compensate the individuals harmed by the harassment and $20,000 to compensate the Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing Opportunity Council for resources it expended responding to the reported harassment. He is also required to pay a $5,000 civil penalty to the United States.
“Far too often landlords sexually harass and prey on those who are most vulnerable and it is unacceptable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce fair housing laws to hold those who engage in unlawful conduct to account.”
The settlement also requires Ukejnovic to retain an independent property manager to manage his rental properties for the duration of the order, obtain fair housing training, and implement non-discrimination policies and complaint procedures to prevent sexual harassment at his properties in the future.
“Multiple tenants complained that Mr. Ukejnovic subjected them to vulgar and disgusting demands for sex, offering to reduce rent or security deposits if they complied,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming for the Eastern District of Missouri. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office takes allegations like these seriously and seeks to hold all civil rights violators accountable whether civilly or criminally.”
“It is abhorrent that a landlord would subject his tenants to sexual harassment and retaliation, robbing them of a safe place to call home,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Demetria L. McCain of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “This settlement sends a strong message that sexual harassment in housing is illegal and that those who violate the Fair Housing Act will be held accountable.”
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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