The U.S. Department of Justice has announced a significant settlement in a lawsuit against the owners and former property manager of St. Anthony Plaza Apartments, a federally subsidized complex in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The case, which alleges violations of the Fair Housing Act, centers on years of sexual harassment by former property manager Ariel Solis Veleta, who subjected female tenants to unwanted sexual advances, harassment, and threats of eviction.
Filed in March 2024, the lawsuit claims that for over a decade, Solis used his position of power to exploit vulnerable tenants, including making inappropriate sexual comments, engaging in unwanted physical contact, and even locking tenants in his office to demand sexual acts. Those who resisted his demands were reportedly threatened with eviction.
The settlement includes a $350,000 compensation fund for victims, with $10,000 allocated as a civil penalty to the U.S. government. Solis will be permanently barred from managing residential properties, and additional measures will be taken to prevent future discrimination, including mandatory training for the involved parties.
Deputy Assistant Attorney General Kathleen P. Wolfe emphasized that the Justice Department is committed to holding property managers and landlords accountable for exploiting their tenants. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez expressed that this resolution will help ensure the safety and dignity of tenants, specifically those in affordable housing.
This case is part of the Justice Department’s broader Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative, which seeks to curb abuse in housing situations where power dynamics can lead to exploitation. Since its inception in 2017, the initiative has resulted in 48 lawsuits and nearly $17.5 million in recovery for victims of housing-related sexual harassment.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also expressed its gratitude to the tenants who came forward, underlining its continued commitment to investigating and addressing discriminatory practices in housing.
Individuals who believe they were victims of sexual harassment at St. Anthony Plaza Apartments or other housing properties are encouraged to reach out to the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line for assistance.
This landmark settlement highlights the need for ongoing vigilance to protect tenants’ rights and ensure that affordable housing remains a space free from abuse and exploitation.
