United States v Joseph E Johnson (E.D. Ky.)

On April 27, 2026, the court entered a consent order in United States v. Joseph E. Johnson (E.D. Ky.). The complaint, which was filed on December 3, 2024, alleged that Johnson, a landlord in Lexington, Kentucky, sexually harassed female tenants for several decades by, among other things, offering housing-related benefits in exchange for sexual contact, making unwelcome sexual comments and advances to female tenants, subjecting female tenants to unwelcome touching and groping, taking adverse housing-related actions against female tenants who refused his sexual advances, and failing to act when made aware of similar harassing behaviors by one or more of his employees. The consent order permanently bars Johnson from managing rental properties or contacting women harmed by his harassment. It also requires implementation of non-discrimination policies and complaint procedures to prevent sexual harassment in the future. Johnson must pay $500,000 in damages to the aggrieved persons and a $10,000 civil penalty to the United States.

Press Release (4/27/2026)
Press Release (12/3/2024)