The U.S. Justice Department has filed a federal lawsuit against a Michigan property owner, accusing him of turning his rental business into a predatory environment where female tenants were sexually harassed and retaliated against for years.
The complaint, filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, alleges that William Aaron Asper engaged in a pattern of abuse at properties he owns and manages in and around Westland. According to federal prosecutors, the harassment began in 2018 and has continued to the present day.
The lawsuit details a range of disturbing allegations, claiming Asper subjected female residents to unwelcome groping, sexual comments, and advances. Prosecutors say Asper went further, offering housing-related benefits in exchange for sexual contact—a practice often referred to as “sex for rent.”
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Women who refused these advances allegedly faced retaliation, with Asper taking adverse actions against their housing status, according to the filing.
“A man who preys on vulnerable women in need of a home deserves the greatest condemnation,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. for the Eastern District of Michigan. “We will do our best to protect women against gross exploitation.”
The suit also names the William Aaron Asper Living Trust and REPSA Enterprises LLC as defendants, noting these entities owned the properties while the alleged harassment took place.
This legal action is part of the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative. Launched in October 2017, the program targets landlords, property managers, and maintenance workers who exploit their control over housing to abuse tenants. Since its inception, the department has filed 52 lawsuits and recovered nearly $16.2 million for victims.
“Women should not live in fear when they pay their rent or seek repairs,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce the Fair Housing Act’s prohibition on this conduct.”
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The lawsuit seeks monetary damages for the victims, civil penalties to address the public interest, and a court order to prevent future discrimination.
The investigation was a joint effort between the Justice Department and the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General (HUD-OIG). Special Agent in Charge Machelle Jindra emphasized that holding housing providers accountable is a priority for the agency.
“It is unacceptable for landlords to threaten or commit sexual harassment or abuse against tenants,” Jindra said. “Every person deserves to feel safe in their home.”
Do you have information? The Justice Department encourages anyone who has experienced sexual harassment by a landlord or property manager to contact their Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743 or submit a report online.
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