Facts

Abraham Kesary was the property manager for a rental property located at 445 South Western Avenue in Los Angeles's Koreatown. That property was owned by M&F Development LLC. As the property manager, Kesary performed several duties such as collecting rent and maintaining the property. On May 11, 2023, the Justice Department, representing the United States, filed suit against M&F Development and Kesary, alleging Fair Housing Act violations.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended that from about 2012 to 2020, defendant Kesary subjected the tenants to unwelcome sexual harassment. According to the complaint, Kesary, among others, offered housing benefits such as waiving or reducing rent and late fees in exchange for sexual acts; subjected female tenants to sexual touching, groping, and kissing; made unwelcome sexual advances and comments for sexual acts; and entered their apartments without permission and with no legitimate reason.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS: Defendants denied all contentions.

Result

Defendants agreed to pay $120,000 to compensate the harmed individuals, along with $10,000 civil penalty to the United States. Moreover, the consent order, along with other mandates, permanently barred Kesary from property management and an independent property manager approved by the Department of Justice would take over his duties at the Koreatown rental property.