A couple accused of using their position as landlords to make unwanted advances on female renters is being sued under the Arkansas Fair Housing Act.
A representative of Attorney General Tim Griffin’s office said that Charles and Judy Warren of Jonesboro are being sued for their alleged discrimination and harassment.
“Preying on women seeking housing for themselves and their families by subjecting them to sexual discrimination and harassment is abhorrent and a violation of state law. My office will pursue all available penalties and damages against the defendants for violating the Arkansas Fair Housing Act,” said Griffin in a statement.
According to the lawsuit, the couple are accused of the following violations:
-Offering to grant tangible housing benefits, such as reducing rent, to female tenants in exchange for sexual acts;
-Subjecting female tenants to unwelcome sexual touching, including touching their breasts and buttocks;
-Subjecting female tenants to indecent exposure, including unwelcome exposure of genitals;
-Making unwelcome comments and sexual advances to female tenants, including commenting on tenants’ bodies and inviting them to engage in sexual acts;
-Menacing female tenants by entering their homes without their permission and with no apparent legitimate reason; and,
-Taking adverse housing actions, or threatening to do so, against female tenants who objected to or refused sexual advances.
The suit claims the incidents began in 2019 and included allegations that offered reduced rent in exchange for sexual acts.
Through the lawsuit, Griffin is seeking injunctive and declaratory relief, and compensatory and punitive damages through a jury trial, including monetary damages for the victims and civil penalties.
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