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Koreatown Landlord Abraham Kesary Accused of Sexual Harassment

Apartment Manager Abraham Kesary Faces Federal Lawsuit Over Sexual Harassment Allegations By Female Tenants

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (May 14, 2023) – A Koreatown landlord identified as Abraham Kesary is facing a federal lawsuit over allegations he sexually harassed female residents for at least eight years.

The United States Justice Department issued a press release detailing the allegations. Justice Department officials are claiming that Abraham Kesary offered housing-related benefits in exchange for sex and made unwelcome sexual advances on female tenants.

The defendant landlord managed the building on behalf of M&F Development, LLC. They are also named as a defendant in the lawsuit. In short, the Justice Department is claiming that the actions of Abraham Kesary violated the Fair Housing Act.

According to the United States Attorney Martin Estrada, “Mr. Kesary allegedly abused his power as a property manager to sexually harass and victimize vulnerable tenants for years.”

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

The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate those who may have been harmed by the sexual harassment. A full investigation into the allegations remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Sexual Harassment By Property Managers

Sexual harassment by landlords and property managers is far more common than most people realize. Women with lower incomes are much more likely to be the victims of sexual harassment. According to the University of Missouri New Bureau, “In a recent pilot study that included interviews with randomly selected, low-income women, 10 percent of participants reported being sexually harassed by their landlords. The harassment included being asked to trade sex for rent, lewd comments, home invasions and indecent exposure.” Victims of sexual harassment by landlords tend to have many things in common.

  • Women living in poverty make up the overwhelming number of victims.
  • Most of the victims were in their 20’s when the harassment took place.
  • Sexual harassment victims may not report the harassment for years out of shame.

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that is illegal under the Fair Housing Act. It is also illegal under a number of other federal laws including Section 109 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and Title IX of Education Amendments of 1972. In general, sexual harassment in housing typically comes in two different forms: (1) quid pro quo arrangements; and (2) hostile environment sexual harassment.  

  • Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment: Quid pro quo literally means “something for something” in Latin. A quid pro quo arrangement occurs when a landlord offers a tenant housing accommodations in exchange for sex acts. In many instances, property managers may refuse to complete maintenance requests unless a tenant offers nude photos of themselves.
  • Hostile Environment Sexual Harassment: A property manager can create a hostile environment for tenants in many different scenarios. For example, a landlord may subject a tenant to pervasive and unwelcome touching, kissing or groping. A property manager may make pervasive unwelcome, lewd comments about a tenant’s figure.

 Sexual harassment is never alright and in far too many instances it goes unreported. Any person that is the victim of sexual harassment by their landlord or property manager may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the expenses that often come with enduring long-standing sexual trauma. Sadly, though, landlords and property managers will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility when they are caught. A sexual abuse attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.

Investigating Sexual Harassment By Property Managers

We at Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to all of the female tenants who may have been harmed by Abraham Kesary. It is important to remember that every person is entitled to due process and a fair trial. But the accusations made by the Department of Justice remain deeply troubling. Any person that may have more information about what happened should speak with investigators.

Have you or someone that you care about been the victim of sexual harassment by property managers or landlords? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of sexual harassment attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that tenants are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375. Se habla español.

Author

MICHAEL S. CARRILLO, Partner

Michael works on high-profile cases that have garnered national media attention. His practice today focuses on child sexual abuse cases, police misconduct cases, catastrophic injuries and other wrongful death matters. He is a passionate advocate for his clients including the countless child sexual abuse victims he currently represents.