The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a civil rights lawsuit against Michael J. DeWitte, a landlord from Washington, Illinois, accusing him of sexually harassing female tenants and housing applicants in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
DeWitte has managed residential rental properties in Peoria and other central Illinois counties since at least 2002.
“Landlords cannot use their position of power to sexually harass someone who simply wants a place to live,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Fair Housing Act protects tenants’ right to housing free of any kind of sexual advance or harassment. We encourage survivors to speak out so that we can vindicate their fair housing rights.”
U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris for the Central District of Illinois echoed this sentiment: “No one should ever be asked to trade their body for a home. I urge any other tenants alleging discrimination by DeWitte to contact my office. When landlords abuse their power and attempt to take advantage of the vulnerable in violation of civil rights laws, my office and the Justice Department stand ready to hold them accountable.”
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, alleges that DeWitte subjected female tenants and applicants to unwelcome sexual harassment since at least 2002. The alleged misconduct includes:
- Sexual contact and inappropriate comments about tenants’ physical appearances.
- Offers to strip for female tenants.
- Removing his pants while giving a tour to a female housing applicant.
- Exposing his genitals to female tenants.
- Asking female tenants on dates.
- Requesting sex in exchange for reduced rent or other housing benefits.
- Evicting female tenants who refused his sexual advances.
The Justice Department seeks monetary damages for those harmed by the alleged harassment, civil penalties to vindicate the public interest, and a court order barring future discrimination by DeWitte.
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status. Sexual harassment, as a form of sex discrimination, is also prohibited.
Individuals who believe they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental properties owned or managed by Michael DeWitte are encouraged to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois at 309-671-7019 or 833-591-0291, and email USAILC.Civil.Rights@usdoj.gov or FairHousing.USAILC@usdoj.gov.
The Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative, led by the Civil Rights Division in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide, seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers, and other individuals who control housing.
Since its launch in October 2017, the initiative has filed 44 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $17 million for victims.
The Civil Rights Division remains committed to protecting individuals from sexual misconduct.
