Lexington landlord who allegedly harassed tenants for decades to pay $510K settlement

LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — A $510,000 settlement has been reached in a sexual assault lawsuit accusing a Fayette County landlord of harassing his female tenants.

The Justice Department’s lawsuit, filed in December 2024, alleges Joseph Johnson sexually harassed female tenants for decades, in their homes and at the rental office.

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Court documents suggest that Johnson offered to forgive rent in exchange for sex, demanded sexual contact from his tenants, subjected tenants to unwelcome touching, made unwelcome comments and advances, let himself into female tenants’ homes without notice or permission, and threatened to evict tenants who refused his demands. The complaint also alleges Johnson didn’t stop his employees when they behaved similarly.

On Monday, April 27, Johnson agreed to pay $510,000 to resolve the litigation…

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