U.S. Department
of Justice
United States v. Shevis D. Petties (W.D. Okla.)
On January 11, 2024, the United States filed a complaint in United States v. Shevis D. Petties, et al. (W.D. Okla.). The complaint alleges that Shevis D. Petties discriminated on the basis of sex in violation of the Fair Housing Act by sexually harassing female tenants at residential rental properties he owned and/or operated and managed in the Western District of Oklahoma since at least 2016. The lawsuit alleges that Mr. Petties, among other things, subjected female tenants to unwelcome sexual comments and contact, physically assaulted female tenants, photographed and/or filmed female tenants in their bedrooms and bathrooms without their knowledge and permission, and demanded that female tenants engage in sexual acts with him in order not to lose housing. The lawsuit further alleges that the other defendants, the owners of these residential rental properties, are vicariously liable for the actions of their agent, Mr. Petties.