BALTIMORE, MD News (7/19/2024) – In an unprecedented move, Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced the first lawsuit by the newly formed Civil Rights Division, targeting Eric Sessoms and Mt. Vernon Group, LLC. The case, filed in the Circuit Court for Wicomico County, alleges a pattern of gender-based discrimination in housing.
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Sessoms, who manages rental properties on the Eastern Shore for Mt. Vernon Group, LLC, is accused of severe sexual harassment against female tenants and prospective tenants. The Civil Rights Division’s investigation found substantial evidence suggesting that Sessoms exploited his position to solicit sexual favors in exchange for housing benefits, in violation of both the Fair Housing Act and Maryland’s anti-discrimination laws.
“For too long, predatory landlords have exploited those in financial and housing crises, abusing their power to make sexual demands of tenants or prospective tenants, often low-income women and single mothers,” stated Attorney General Brown. “In Maryland, that ends today. This historic filing sends a clear message: landlords cannot sexually harass their tenants. If they do, the Office of the Attorney General will take action.”
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The lawsuit claims Sessoms preyed on vulnerable women, many of whom were either experiencing or at risk of homelessness. He allegedly targeted women facing financial difficulties, offering housing benefits like reduced rent in exchange for sexual favors. The complaint details unwelcome sexual advances, unsolicited sexual comments, and other egregious conduct based on the tenants’ and prospective tenants’ gender.
“Maryland is already facing a severe housing crisis, impacting many families—primarily women with children—who have too few options,” said Vicki Schultz, Executive Director of Maryland Legal Aid. “Landlords like Sessoms, who exploit women in desperate situations and engage in gender-based discrimination, cannot be tolerated. We are proud to have partnered with the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division on this case from day one, and we will continue to support Maryland’s most vulnerable communities.”
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The Civil Rights Division seeks injunctive relief, restitution for harmed tenants, civil penalties, and the costs of the investigation and litigation against Sessoms and Mt. Vernon Group, LLC. It is illegal for landlords to retaliate against tenants or prospective tenants who refuse sexual advances or report harassment. Anyone with information about Sessoms or Mt. Vernon Group, LLC is encouraged to contact the Civil Rights Division at 1-833-282-2977 or email MDvSessoms@oag.state.md.us.
Sexual harassment in housing is prohibited under Md. Code Ann., State Gov’t § 20-705 and the Fair Housing Act. Housing providers cannot engage in unwanted sexual conduct, including making sexual comments, suggesting sex acts in exchange for housing benefits, or any non-consensual physical contact. This holds true even if the victim did not lose a housing opportunity or suffer economic loss.
The Civil Rights Division of the Office of the Attorney General was established on January 1, 2024. The Division was formed after Attorney General Brown successfully obtained the authority to enforce civil rights laws at the federal, state, and local levels, a first in Maryland’s history. The Division represents Brown’s commitment to justice and equity and has already initiated several investigations into civil rights violations statewide.
Civil rights violations can be reported to the Office of the Attorney General by email at civilrights@oag.state.md.us, through their website, or by calling 410-576-6300.
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Attorney General Brown expressed gratitude to the Civil Rights Division team, including Chief Jonathan Smith, Deputy Chief Rashida Ogletree-George, Assistant Attorneys General Janee Fountain and Tyler Cochran, Investigator Kelsey Richards, and Paralegal Clarissa Hibler. He also thanked Maryland Legal Aid for its partnership and dedication to providing free civil legal services to low-income Marylanders.
Story by multiple RFHC contributors.
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