ATHENS, Ohio – The U.S. Department of Justice announced today that Kevin Martin, a property owner and manager in the Athens, Ohio area, has agreed to a $170,000 settlement to resolve allegations of sexual harassment against female tenants and applicants, in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
According to a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Martin engaged in a pattern of sexual harassment spanning from at least 2010 to 2020. The allegations include that Martin solicited sexual favors from female tenants and applicants, subjected them to unwelcome sexual advances and touching, and made inappropriate sexual comments. The lawsuit further claims that Martin coerced female tenants into sex by threatening them with eviction or offering to reduce or excuse rent in exchange for sexual acts. In some cases, he allegedly initiated or threatened evictions when tenants rejected his advances.
This case emerged from a collaborative investigation with the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General (HUD OIG). Federal officials emphasized the seriousness of the violations and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding fair housing laws.
“Every person in our country has the right to seek and obtain safe and affordable housing without being subjected to sexual harassment,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. She condemned Martin’s actions, stating that the Justice Department will continue to hold landlords accountable when they exploit vulnerable tenants.
U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that fair housing is a fundamental right, and the office is dedicated to enforcing these protections. HUD Inspector General Rae Oliver Davis added that tenants should feel safe in their homes and urged victims of harassment to report such abuses to law enforcement.
Under the terms of the consent decree, which awaits approval from the district court, Martin has agreed to pay $165,000 in compensation to the women harmed by his actions and a $5,000 civil penalty to the U.S. government. Additionally, Martin is permanently barred from managing residential rental properties. He must also hire a property manager for any properties he continues to own and comply with mandatory training and policy reforms designed to prevent future discrimination.