WQIO Ohio's Super Station
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a federal lawsuit against an Ohio landlord, alleging he sexually harassed female tenants and retaliated against women who refused his advances.
The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio against 72-year-old Alfred Falgiani Jr. of Girard, who owns and manages rental properties in and around the community.
According to the Justice Department’s complaint, Falgiani allegedly sexually harassed female tenants beginning in 2008, including allegedly offering housing-related benefits in exchange for sexual contact, making unwanted sexual comments and advances and engaging in unwanted touching and groping.
The lawsuit also alleges Falgiani took adverse housing-related actions against women who refused his alleged sexual advances.
The Justice Department is seeking monetary damages for people allegedly harmed, civil penalties and a court order prohibiting future discrimination.
Federal officials say anyone who believes they may have been a victim of sexual harassment or other housing discrimination involving Falgiani’s properties can contact the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line.
The lawsuit is part of the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative, which was launched in 2017. The department says it has filed 54 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing since the initiative began and recovered more than $19 million for victims.
The allegations contained in the lawsuit have not been proven in court.
