Justice Department Secures $510,000 Settlement in Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Kentucky Landlord
The Justice Department announced today that Joseph E. Johnson, the owner and manager of residential rental properties in Lexington, Kentucky, agreed to pay $510,000 to resolve a lawsuit alleging that he sexually harassed female tenants in violation of the Fair Housing Act.“The Justice Department will not tolerate violations of our federal fair housing laws, including landlords’ unwelcome sexual advances and requests for sexual favors,” said…
Press release
April 27, 2026
Justice Department Secures $850,000 Settlement in Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Kentucky Landlord and Property Manager
The Justice Department announced today that the owners and property managers of residential rental properties in Lexington, Kentucky have agreed to pay $850,000 to resolve a lawsuit alleging that two property managers sexually harassed female tenants in violation of the Fair Housing Act.“Women should never feel unsafe in their own homes,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The…
Press release
February 18, 2026
Justice Department Sues Kentucky Rental Property Owner for Sexual Harassment
The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Joseph E. Johnson, also known as Joe Johnson, the owner and operator of rental properties in Lexington, Kentucky, for engaging in sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the Fair Housing Act.“For decades, this landlord used his position of power to sexually harass vulnerable women who simply wanted roofs over their heads,” said Assistant Attorney General…
Press release
December 03, 2024
Justice Department Sues Kentucky Rental Property Manager and Owners for Sexual Harassment
The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Adnan Shalash, the owner and operator of rental properties in Lexington, Kentucky, for engaging in sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the Fair Housing Act. The lawsuit also names as defendants 12 owners of rental properties managed by Adnan Shalash, including Fox Den Properties LLC and Griffith Market Inc.“Sexual harassment by housing providers is an…
Press release
November 19, 2024
Omaha Man Forfeits $150,000 for Employing Illegal Aliens
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that James R. Barger, Jr., 49, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for harboring illegal aliens for commercial advantage and private financial gain. United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., expressing concerns about COVID-19 in the jails, sentenced Barger to two years’ supervised release and required Barger to perform 80 hours of community service per year. Barger will also pay a…
Press release
August 19, 2020