United States v. Jimmie Bell et al. (W.D. Mo.)
On May 20, 2024, the United States filed an amended complaint in United States v. Jimmie Bell et al. (W.D. Mo.). The original complaint was filed on March 25, 2024. The “election” complaint alleges that Jimmie Bell, the owner and manager of residential rental properties in Springfield, Missouri, discriminated on the basis of sex, in violation of the Fair Housing Act (FHA), by sexually harassing a female tenant from 2017 through 2019. The United States’ complaint also included a “group of persons” claim under the Fair Housing Act, based on additional victims that were identified during the Department’s investigation. The case was referred to the Division after HUD received a complaint, conducted an investigation, and issued a charge of discrimination. The case also names as defendants Jimmie Bell as Trustee of Second Bell Trust and Fourth Bell, LLC.