A Lexington, Kentucky, landlord will pay over half a million dollars to settle federal allegations that he spent decades sexually harassing his female tenants. Joseph E. Johnson, who owned and managed several residential properties, reached a $510,000 settlement with the Justice Department on Monday to resolve a lawsuit involving violations of the Fair Housing Act.
The legal action, originally filed in December 2024, detailed a pattern of behavior where Johnson allegedly used his position of power to prey on vulnerable women.
According to the complaint, Johnson offered to forgive rent in exchange for sexual favors and frequently subjected tenants to unwanted touching and comments. The lawsuit also claimed he would enter women’s homes without any notice or permission and threatened to evict those who refused his sexual advances.
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Furthermore, federal prosecutors alleged that Johnson failed to step in when his own employees engaged in similar behavior.
“No one should have to choose between homelessness and sexual harassment in the place where they should feel safest,” said Jason Parman, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Parman emphasized that the office remains committed to holding those who prey on tenants accountable, stating the settlement sends a clear message that such discrimination is intolerable.
Under the terms of the consent order approved by the U.S. District Court, Johnson is now permanently barred from managing rental properties. He is also prohibited from contacting any of the victims.
Of the total settlement, $500,000 is earmarked for the women harmed by his actions, while $10,000 will be paid as a civil penalty to the government. Any remaining rental properties owned by Johnson must now adopt new anti-discrimination policies and undergo mandatory training.
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Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division noted that federal law is clear regarding unwelcome sexual advances from landlords. “This settlement demonstrates our commitment to continuing to enforce these laws so tenants remain safe and secure in their homes,” Dhillon said.
This case is part of the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative, a program started in 2017 to target misconduct by landlords, maintenance workers, and loan officers.
Since its inception, the initiative has led to 52 lawsuits and recovered more than $19 million for victims. Officials encourage anyone who has experienced similar harassment to contact the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743.
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