Federal sexual harassment lawsuit filed against Lassen County landlord
Property manager, owner named in civil suit
The U.S. Justice Department announced today that a Lassen County, California property owner, and manager are being sued on grounds of sexually harassing female tenants.
Filed under the Fair Housing Act, the lawsuit alleges that Joel Nolen, the owner, and operator of rental properties in Lassen County, sexually harassed female tenants since at least 2011. Also named in the lawsuit are Shirlee Nolen and Nolen Properties LLC, the co-owners of Susanville area rental properties at the relevant times.
According to the complaint, Nolen offered housing-related benefits in exchange for sexual contact, made unwelcome sexual comments and advances to female tenants, entered the homes of female tenants without their permission, and subjected female tenants to unwelcome touching and groping. Nolen also allegedly took adverse housing-related actions against female tenants who refused his sexual advances.
“The sexual harassment and retaliation alleged in today’s complaint violates our federal fair housing laws and will not be tolerated,” U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. “Landlords and other housing providers who engage in such conduct will be held accountable to ensure that individuals feel safe and comfortable in their homes.”
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate persons harmed by the alleged harassment, civil penalties to vindicate the public interest, and a court order barring future discrimination. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California in Sacramento.
