ATHENS, Ohio — The U.S. Department of Justice has taken legal action against Joseph Earl Lucas of Amesville, Ohio, for alleged sexual harassment of female tenants and housing applicants, violating the Fair Housing Act. These behaviors include soliciting sex acts from female tenants and applicants, subjecting female tenants to unwelcome sexual touching, making inappropriate sexual comments and advances, invading their privacy by entering their homes without permission, and even using housing as leverage for sexual favors. The lawsuit further claims that Lucas initiated evictions or threatened to evict female tenants who resisted his advances. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated, “No one should have to experience sexual harassment in their home or their community. The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination based on various grounds, including sex and sexual harassment.