Richard Bruno, Sexual Harassment, Connecticut 2011
RICHARD BRUNO, a notorious New London, Connecticut, landlord, has been exposed for his heinous crimes against the women who trusted him with their housing needs.
According to a recent settlement, Bruno violated the Fair Housing Act by sexually harassing female tenants and applicants at his rental properties. The settlement, which is part of the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative, requires Bruno to pay $350,000 to compensate individuals harmed by his actions and a $50,000 civil penalty to the United States.
The alleged harassment occurred from 2011 through 2016, during which time Bruno engaged in unwelcome sexual advances, comments, and unwanted touching. He also demanded or pressured female applicants to engage in sexual acts to obtain rental privileges, evicted or threatened to evict those who objected, and even entered the homes of female tenants without their consent.
Bruno, a former resident of Waterford, Connecticut, has been incarcerated since 2017, serving a 16-year sentence in federal prison for producing child pornography with a tenant’s minor child.
The settlement also prohibits Bruno from owning and managing residential rental properties in the future, requires the property owners to hire an independent property manager, and mandates fair housing training and non-discrimination policies at the properties.
Bruno’s crimes have sparked outrage, with many calling for greater accountability in the housing industry. The case serves as a stark reminder that sexual harassment by landlords is a serious violation of federal law.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut will review the consent decree before it is finalized.
RICHARD BRUNO, Sexual Harassment, Connecticut 2011
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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