Peter McCarthy, 49, the owner of Steps to Solutions Inc., a group of residential sober homes in Lynn, Massachusetts, was found liable following a five-day jury trial. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division filed a lawsuit in August 2021 alleging that McCarthy sexually harassed female tenants, thereby violating the Fair Housing Act.
"Sexual harassment of tenants is abhorrent, and the department stands committed to holding housing providers accountable," stated Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. She commended the survivors who testified about their experiences and emphasized that this verdict sends a clear message against landlords who abuse their power to exploit vulnerable individuals.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts added that no one should be denied housing due to their refusal to submit to unwanted sexual harassment and intimidation. He highlighted that housing is a fundamental need and everyone has the right to feel safe and secure in their own home.
From at least 2012 through 2021, McCarthy reportedly sexually harassed residents by offering reduced or forgiven rent, extra house privileges or waived security deposits in exchange for engaging in sex acts or providing sexually explicit photographs; he also made unwanted sexual comments.
The Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative aims to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by those who control housing such as landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers among others. Since its launch in October 2017, it has filed 40 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $16.4 million for victims.
Individuals with information about this case can contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts via phone call at 617-748-3274 or email at USAMA.victimassistance@usdoj.gov.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory Dorchak, Michelle Leung and Eve Piemonte for the District of Massachusetts handled the matter, along with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division’s Housing Section.