United States v. Hernandez (C.D. Cal.)

On August 10, 2021, the court entered a consent decree in United States v. Hernandez (C.D. Cal.).  The complaint, which was filed on January 13, 2020, alleged that from at least 2006, Property Manager Filomeno Hernandez violated the Fair Housing Act by engaging in a pattern or practice of sexual harassment against female tenants at two Los Angeles, California apartment buildings owned by Ramin Akhavan, Bonnie Brae Investment Services LLC, and Westlake Property Services LLC.  Hernandez engaged in harassment that included, among other things, frequently and repeatedly engaging in unwanted sexual touching, including sexual assault, making unwelcome sexual advances and comments, offering to reduce rent or excusing late or unpaid rent in exchange for sex, and entering the homes of female tenants without their consent.  The consent decree requires defendants to pay a total of $105,000, which includes $100,000 in monetary damages to women who were harmed as a result of the sexual harassment, and a $5,000 civil penalty. The consent decree also bars Hernandez from participating in the rental or management of residential properties in the future, and requires that Hernandez vacate the premises and leave his post as on-site property manager.

Press Release (8/6/21)
Press Release (1/13/20)
Comunicado de prensa (6/8/2020)