WWW.USDOJ.GOV

JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SUES JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI, LANDLORD

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The owner and management company of several rental properties in Jackson, Mississippi, were sued today by the Justice Department for allegedly engaging in a pattern of sexually harassing female tenants.

The civil suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Jackson, Mississippi, alleges that L.T. Jackson and L.T. Jackson Trust, the owner and management company of several government-subsidized properties, subjected numerous female tenants and, in some cases, their teenage daughters, to severe, pervasive, and unwelcome verbal and physical sexual advances. The complaint also alleges that since 1992, Jackson demanded sexual favors from female tenants and evicted or otherwise retaliated against women who did not submit to his sexual advances. The behavior is alleged to have occurred at each of the properties.

"Although sexual harassment in housing does not get as much attention as sexual harassment in the workplace, the Justice Department is no less committed to pursuing these types of cases," said Bill Lann Lee, Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. "What is particularly devastating about these cases is that the victims can not feel safe in their own homes and have little option of living elsewhere."

The lawsuit seeks damages on behalf of the victims of Jackson's harassment, as well as civil penalties and injunctive relief barring future discrimination. The maximum civil penalty for each defendant is $50,000. The properties include, but are not limited to: 5635 Queen Eleanor Lane; 631 Tifton Drive; 309 North Prentiss Street; 4620 Kirkley Drive; and, 166 York Drive.

"Anyone who is abusive enough to exploit his power as a landlord over vulnerable tenants living in government-assisted housing deserves the special attention of those of us charged with enforcing America's fair housing laws," said Brad Pigott, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi.

Any individuals who believe that they were harassed by L.T. Jackson at properties owned and/or managed by L.T. Jackson or the L.T. Jackson Trust, or anyone else who has information concerning this case, should contact the office of the United States Attorney at 601/973-2840 or 601/965-4480.

99-345