The Justice Department has reached a $360,000 settlement with the owners and former property manager of St. Anthony Plaza Apartments in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The agreement resolves allegations that the former property manager, Ariel Solis Veleta, sexually harassed female tenants at the federally subsidized complex in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
Filed in March 2024, the lawsuit alleged that Solis engaged in inappropriate conduct over more than ten years at the 160-unit Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance property. Accusations included making unwelcome sexual comments, unwanted touching, locking tenants in his office to demand sexual acts, and threatening eviction for non-compliance.
Deputy Assistant Attorney General Kathleen P. Wolfe emphasized the importance of homes being safe spaces: “A home should be a place of refuge, not fear.” She stated that property managers exploiting vulnerable tenants would be held accountable.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez for the District of New Mexico remarked on maintaining dignity and safety in affordable housing: “This settlement will protect the sanctity of the home and the basic human rights of tenants.”
Acting Inspector General Stephen M. Begg from HUD highlighted their commitment to investigating those who exploit vulnerable tenants: “No low-income tenant should face the threat of being sexually harassed or abused by a property manager.”
The lawsuit also named PacifiCap Properties Group LLC, St. Anthony Limited Partnership, PacifiCap Holdings XXXVIII LLC, and PacifiCap Management Inc., as defendants for their vicarious liability concerning Solis's actions. HUD's Office of Inspector General assisted in uncovering evidence leading to this legal action.
Pending approval by the U.S. District Court for New Mexico, under a consent decree, $350,000 will compensate affected tenants while $10,000 serves as a civil penalty to the United States. Solis is permanently barred from contacting victims or managing residential properties and must implement training and procedures to prevent future discrimination.
Victims can contact Solis.Investigation@usdoj.gov or call 1-833-591-0291 if they suspect harassment by Solis or at St. Anthony Plaza Apartments.
This settlement is part of an ongoing initiative by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division to combat sexual harassment in housing since October 2017. The department has filed 48 lawsuits and recovered nearly $17.5 million for victims during this time.