The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Adnan Shalash, a rental property manager in Lexington, Kentucky, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation under the Fair Housing Act. The legal action also includes 12 property owners managed by Shalash, notably Fox Den Properties LLC and Griffith Market Inc.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated, “Sexual harassment by housing providers is an egregious abuse of power. Women should never feel unsafe in their own homes. The Justice Department is committed to vigorously protecting the rights of vulnerable tenants subjected to sexual harassment and holding housing providers and managers accountable when they violate the law.”
U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV for the Eastern District of Kentucky emphasized the importance of enforcing the Fair Housing Act: “Sexual harassment in housing deprives its victims of the safety and security that a home is supposed to provide them.”
Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, the lawsuit accuses Shalash of sexually harassing female tenants over several years. Allegations include offering housing benefits for sexual contact, making unwelcome advances, unauthorized entry into homes, unwanted touching, and retaliating against those who rejected his advances.
The lawsuit follows a joint investigation by the Justice Department and HUD's Office of Inspector General. It seeks compensation for affected individuals, civil penalties against defendants, and a court order preventing future discrimination.
HUD Inspector General Rae Oliver Davis commented on these allegations: “Adnan Shalash allegedly preyed upon vulnerable tenants’ basic human need for housing.”
Since launching its Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative in October 2017, aimed at addressing landlord misconduct nationwide, the Justice Department has filed 46 lawsuits related to sexual harassment in housing.
Victims or those with relevant information are encouraged to contact authorities via designated hotlines or email addresses provided by both HUD and the Justice Department.