A Kentucky property manager has agreed to pay $150,000 to settle a federal lawsuit accusing him of sexually harassing female tenants over a period of more than ten years, the Department of Justice announced today.
Under the terms of the proposed consent order, Danny Bell, who owns and manages residential rentals in Somerset, Kentucky, will pay $140,000 in damages to affected tenants alongside a $10,000 civil penalty to the federal government. The agreement remains subject to final approval by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky.
The government originally filed the lawsuit in April 2023, alleging that Bell violated the Fair Housing Act by conditioning housing benefits on sexual favors, making unwanted sexual advances, and entering tenants’ homes without notice or permission.
According to court filings, Bell also threatened eviction against tenants who rejected his advances.
“Tenants should not be forced to choose between safety and keeping a roof over their heads,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This case involved a landlord’s sexual harassment of female tenants, including threats to evict tenants who refused his advances. The Justice Department will continue to hold landlords accountable for using their power to violate the rights of vulnerable women.”
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Parman for the Eastern District of Kentucky added, “Housing should never be used as a tool to exploit vulnerable people in our community.
This settlement sends a clear message that our office will not tolerate sexual harassment in housing and will vigorously protect the rights of tenants to feel safe in their homes.”
Beyond the monetary payout, the settlement regulates the sale of Bell’s current rental portfolio and permanently bans him from managing residential properties in the future. The order further prohibits Bell from contacting the victims, while requiring anti-discrimination training and new operational policies for his real estate holdings.
READ: Oil Prices Surge As Trump Demands Compensation From Iran; Mediators Seek Peace Deal
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
