The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against William Aaron Asper, a landlord and property manager in Westland, Michigan, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation against female tenants. The complaint, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, claims that Asper’s conduct began in 2018 and continues to the present.
According to the Justice Department, Asper is accused of offering housing benefits in exchange for sexual contact, making unwelcome comments and advances toward female tenants, subjecting them to unwanted touching and groping, and retaliating against those who refused his advances. The lawsuit also names the William Aaron Asper Living Trust and REPSA Enterprises LLC as defendants because they owned properties during the period when these actions allegedly occurred.
“Women should not live in fear when they pay their rent or seek repairs,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce the Fair Housing Act’s prohibition on this conduct.”
U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. for the Eastern District of Michigan stated: “A man who preys on vulnerable women in need of a home deserves the greatest condemnation. We will do our best to protect women against gross exploitation.”
Special Agent in Charge Machelle Jindra with HUD’s Office of Inspector General added: “It is unacceptable for landlords to threaten or commit sexual harassment or abuse against tenants. Every person deserves to feel safe in their home. HUD OIG will continue to work with the US Attorney’s Office to hold housing providers accountable for this type of horrible conduct.”
This legal action follows a joint investigation by the Justice Department and HUD’s Office of Inspector General. The government seeks monetary damages for victims, civil penalties, and an order preventing future discrimination.
The case is part of a broader initiative launched by the Justice Department in October 2017 aimed at addressing sexual harassment by landlords and others with control over housing situations. Since its inception, this initiative has resulted in 52 lawsuits related to sexual harassment in housing settings and nearly $16.2 million recovered for victims.
Individuals who believe they have experienced similar discrimination are encouraged to call the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743 or submit a report online through www.justice.gov/crt.
