Yet Another Minnesota Landlord Settles Sexual Harassment Case

Landlord Settled Lawsuit for Groping Female Tenants Breasts and Genitalia

A. Kairi, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Oct 19, 2007 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

Female tenants in Minnesota appear to have it rough. According to a press release from the United States Department of Justice, landlords Thomas and Dawn Fischer of Minnesota have agreed to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit for $240,000. The announcement comes scarcely two months after landlord Ronald Bathrick, also based in Minnesota, settled a similar sexual harassment lawsuit for $400,000.

The suit was brought about by the federal government and alleged that Thomas Fischer had sexually harassed female tenants living on his properties by subjecting them to unwanted verbal advances and unwanted physical touching. The Department of Justice claimed that Fischer's actions were a violation of the Fair Housing Act.

Fischer was also accused of entering the female tenants homes without notifying them of his intent to do so and without their permission. Thomas Fischer's wife, Dawn Fischer, was found to be financially liable for the harassment because she is co-owner of the properties that the harassment occurred on.

One female tenant claimed that Fischer had forcibly fondled her breasts, and did the same to her genitalia when she was unable to move away from him due to an injury to her tail bone. Fischer also allegedly told the woman not to report him because her status as a single mother on public assistance would ensure that she would not be believed. Other female tenants made similar accusations.

One female charged that Fischer had offered to let her "work off" her rent if she allowed him to grope her breasts.

Rena J. Comisac, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division in the Department of Justice had this to say regarding the settlement: ""It is intolerable that women are sexually harassed in their own homes, by the landlord who holds the key to their front door. The Department of Justice will continue to prosecute these cases vigorously."

Rachel K. Paulose, U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota commented further: ""The sexual harassment of the female tenants in this case by their landlord is an egregious violation of federal law. This case serves as an affirmation of the Fair Housing Act, which we will continue to vigorously enforce."

The total settlement of $240,000 includes a civil penalty of $30,000; the remaining $210,000 will be paid to six female tenants Fischer sexually harassed. The settlement also includes terms that will stop Fischer from managing any of his rental properties. Thomas and Dawn Fischer will now be required to utilize the services of an independent manager to manage their properties.

Published by A. Kairi

A. Kairi is a natural beauty care and crafting enthusiast that has operated a natural beauty care products business since 2004. She has held dozens of natural beauty care workshops in private venues and at M... View profile

www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2007/October/07_crt_832.html

Fischer allegedly forcibly groped female tenants breasts and genitalia
Fischer reportedly told one tenant no one would believe her because she was a single welfare mom
Fischer settled the lawsuit for $240,000

Yahoo! Voices

Yet Another Minnesota Landlord Settles Sexual Harassment Case

Landlord Settled Lawsuit for Groping Female Tenants Breasts and Genitalia

13 Comments

Yahoo! Voices

Also on Yahoo!

Yahoo! Contributor Network