U.S. Department
of Justice
United States v Adnan Shalash (E.D. Ky.)
On February 17, 2026, the parties executed a settlement agreement in United States v. Shalash, et al. (E.D. Ky). The United States filed its original complaint on November 18, 2024, and an amended complaint on June 27, 2025. The United States’ lawsuit alleged that Adnan and Mohammad Shalash, owners and operators of rental properties, as well as 17 owners of rental properties in Lexington, Kentucky, violated the Fair Housing Act when they subjected female tenants and applicants to severe and pervasive sexual harassment since at least 2004. According to the amended complaint, Adnan and Mohammed Shalash offered housing-related benefits in exchange for sexual contact, made unwelcome sexual comments and advances to female tenants, fondled themselves in the presence of female tenants, entered the homes of female tenants without their permission, subjected female tenants to unwelcome touching and groping and took adverse housing-related actions against female tenants who refused their sexual advances. The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General participated in the investigation that resulted in the United States’ lawsuit. The settlement prohibits Adnan and Mohammad Shalash from managing rental properties and requires them to hire an independent manager for any properties they still own and adopt non-discrimination policies and complaint procedures to prevent sexual harassment in the future. Under the settlement, Defendants will pay $845,000 in damages to the aggrieved persons and a $5,000 civil penalty to the United States.