Apartment operators accused of sexual harassment and discrimination

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The former operators of a Kanawha County apartment complex are the target of a federal lawsuit which alleges sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act.

The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday filed the suit in the Southern District of West Virginia. The suit named Encore Management Company, Inc., Perkins, Parke Limited Partnership, and three individuals who formerly worked at the apartments in Cross Lanes. Former District Manager Anthony James, former maintenance worker Christopher James, and Perkins Parke’s site manager Kisha James are all named in the case.

The complaint claims the two men approached various female tenants of the apartment complex with unwanted sexual advances and office arranged for sexual encounters as a condition of residency. Federal prosecutors further charge when a female resisted the advances or reported the activity she was often the target or retaliation. Female tenants claimed to have been touched inappropriately and the target of unwelcome comments of a sexual nature.

The suit accuses Kisha James of refusing to take action when she was notified of formal complaints by residents of the apartments who sought to end the behavior.

“No woman should have to live in fear of sexual harassment in her home,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta for the Civil Rights Division said in a press release announcing the suit. “The Fair Housing Act protects tenants from sexual harassment and retaliation by their landlords, and the Justice Department enforces the Fair Housing Act to vindicate these important rights.”

“Safe and secure housing is one of humanity’s most basic needs,” said U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin for the Southern District of West Virginia. “Threats to that safety and security, such as those alleged in the complaint, and making housing available contingent upon the performance of unwelcome acts is both a violation of federal law and human decency and will not be tolerated.“

The suit seeks monetary damages to compensate the victims, civil penalties, and a court order barring future discrimination.





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