DAYTON, Ky. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit alleging a Kentucky man sexually harassed female tenants at a rental property he manages.
The Justice Department says Gus Crank violated the Fair Housing Act.
It alleges that Crank demanded that female tenants engage in sexual acts to keep their housing, offered to reduce rent payments in exchange for sex and made unwelcome sexual advances. The suit alleges this happened between 2008 and 2016.
The suit filed in eastern Kentucky also says Penny Crank, the owner of the rental property in Dayton, Kentucky, is liable for Gus Crank's alleged actions.
The Justice Department launched an initiative in October 2017 to combat sexual harassment in housing. It includes a new joint Task Force with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and a public awareness campaign.
