One year ago today (May 12, 2023)... DOJ sues manager and owner of rental property in Koreatown

One year ago today (May 12, 2023)… The manager of a Koreatown apartment building allegedly offered female tenants housing assistance in exchange for sex and entered their homes without permission, a U.S. Department of Justice civil rights lawsuit says.

According to the complaint filed in federal court in Los Angeles, Abraham Kesary, who lives in the apartment building on South Western Avenue, is alleged to have sexually harassed female residents of the rental property from at least 2012 to at least 2020.

The DOJ alleges that Kesary offered housing-related benefits in exchange for sexual acts, made unwanted sexual comments and advances toward female tenants, entered female tenants’ homes without their permission, and subjected female tenants to unwanted sexual acts.

Kesary managed the home on behalf of M&F Development, the property’s owner, which is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit. The complaint alleges violations of the Fair Housing Act.

A representative of the property owner could not immediately be reached for comment.

“Mr. Kesary allegedly abused his power as a property manager for years to sexually harass and victimize vulnerable tenants,” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said in a statement.

“Sexual harassment is a violation of the Fair Housing Act, and the Department of Justice will do everything in its power to achieve justice for victims of discrimination and harassment.”

The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate those harmed by the alleged harassment, a civil penalty to protect the public interest, and a court order prohibiting future discrimination.

“No one should be subjected to demands for sex, sexual comments or propositions in exchange for safe and affordable housing,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

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