Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan | Department of Justice
The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against William Aaron Asper, a landlord and property manager in the Westland, Michigan area, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation against female tenants. The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan and also names the William Aaron Asper Living Trust and REPSA Enterprises LLC as defendants.
According to the complaint, Asper is accused of offering housing-related benefits in exchange for sexual contact, making unwelcome sexual comments and advances, subjecting female tenants to unwanted touching and groping, and taking negative actions against those who refused his advances. These alleged incidents began in 2018 and continued into the present.
“Women should not live in fear when they pay their rent or seek repairs,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce the Fair Housing Act’s prohibition on this conduct.”
U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. for the Eastern District of Michigan stated: “A man who preys on vulnerable women in need of a home deserves the greatest condemnation. We will do our best to protect women against gross exploitation.”
Special Agent in Charge Machelle Jindra with HUD-OIG added: “It is unacceptable for landlords to threaten or commit sexual harassment or abuse against tenants. Every person deserves to feel safe in their home. HUD OIG will continue to work with the US Attorney’s Office to hold housing providers accountable for this type of horrible conduct.”
The lawsuit is part of a joint investigation by the Justice Department and HUD’s Office of Inspector General. It seeks monetary damages for victims, civil penalties, and a court order preventing future discrimination.
This legal action falls under the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative, which began in October 2017 to address sexual harassment by individuals with control over housing situations such as landlords or property managers. Since its inception, this initiative has led to 52 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing settings and nearly $16.2 million recovered for victims.
Victims of similar misconduct are encouraged to call the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743 or submit reports online through www.justice.gov/crt.
