U.S. Department
of Justice
United States v Hankins (E.D. Mo.)
On January 28, 2026, the parties executed a settlement agreement resolving the claims against the defendants in United States v. Housing Authority of the City of Bloomfield and Eddie Joe Hankins (E.D. Mo.). The United States’ complaint, which was filed on September 30, 2025, alleges that Eddie Joe Hankins sexually harassed a female housing applicant. The United States’ lawsuit also alleges that the Housing Authority of the City of Bloomfield is vicariously liable for the sexual harassment committed by Hankins as their agent. In the settlement agreement, the defendants are required to pay $35,000 to the female housing applicant who was harmed by Hankins’ sexual harassment. The settlement agreement also permanently bars Hankins from contacting the tenant harmed by his harassment and from managing residential rental properties. The settlement agreement also requires the Housing Authority to implement a sexual harassment policy for its rental properties and provide fair housing training for its employees. The case was referred to the Division after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) received a complaint, conducted an investigation, and issued a charge of discrimination.