U.S. Department
of Justice
United States v. Dos Santos (D. Mass.)
On May 3, 2023, the court entered a consent order in United States v. Dos Santos (D. Mass.). The complaint, which was filed December 7, 2020, alleged that a property manager in Chicopee, Massachusetts, had sexually harassed female tenants in violation of the Fair Housing Act since at least 2008 and that the two family trusts that own the properties are liable for his conduct. Under the consent decree, defendants are required to pay $425,000 in damages to six aggrieved persons and a $25,000 civil penalty to the United States. The consent decree also bars future discrimination and retaliation, requires that property management responsibilities be turned over to an independent manager, mandates the implementation of a sexual harassment policy, complaint procedure, and Fair Housing Act training and requires detailed reporting regarding property management activities and compliance with the terms of the consent decree. The consent decree permanently bars Dos Santos from participating in any property management responsibilities at any residential rental property.
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