Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statement announcing his lawsuit against property owners Charles and Judy Warren of Jonesboro for violations of the Arkansas Fair Housing Act related to sexual discrimination and harassment of female renters:
“Preying on women seeking housing for themselves and their families by subjecting them to sexual discrimination and harassment is abhorrent and a violation of state law. My office will pursue all available penalties and damages against the defendants for violating the Arkansas Fair Housing Act.”
The lawsuit, filed in Craighead County Circuit Court, alleges that, since at least 2019, the defendants subjected female tenants at their properties to sexual discrimination and sexual harassment, including:
- Offering to grant tangible housing benefits, such as reducing rent, to female tenants in exchange for sexual acts;
- Subjecting female tenants to unwelcome sexual touching, including touching their breasts and buttocks;
- Subjecting female tenants to indecent exposure, including unwelcome exposure of genitals;
- Making unwelcome comments and sexual advances to female tenants, including commenting on tenants’ bodies and inviting them to engage in sexual acts;
- Menacing female tenants by entering their homes without their permission and with no apparent legitimate reason; and,
- Taking adverse housing actions, or threatening to do so, against female tenants who objected to or refused sexual advances.
Griffin is seeking injunctive and declaratory relief, and compensatory and punitive damages through a jury trial, including monetary damages for victims and civil penalties.
For a copy of the lawsuit, click here.
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