Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice | Official Website
The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against William Aaron Asper, a landlord 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 names Asper, as well as the William Aaron Asper Living Trust and REPSA Enterprises LLC, both entities that owned rental properties during his management.
According to the complaint, since 2018 Asper allegedly offered housing-related benefits in exchange for sexual contact, made unwelcome sexual comments and advances toward female tenants, subjected them to unwanted touching and groping, and retaliated against those who refused his advances.
“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’s Office of Inspector General 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 U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold housing providers accountable for this type of horrible conduct.”
The lawsuit is based on a joint investigation by the Justice Department and HUD’s Office of Inspector General. It seeks monetary damages for those harmed by the alleged harassment, civil penalties, and a court order prohibiting future discrimination.
The case forms part of the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative launched in October 2017, which aims to address sexual harassment by individuals with control over housing such as landlords and property managers. Since its inception, this initiative has resulted in 52 lawsuits related to sexual harassment in housing and nearly $16.2 million recovered for victims.
Individuals who believe they have experienced sexual harassment or other forms of housing discrimination can contact the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743 or submit a report online through www.justice.gov/crt.
