On Dec. 14, the United States settled their federal civil rights lawsuit against Centanni. Now, Centanni will pay $4.5 million as part of the settlement. According to the New York Times, if the settlement is approved by a judge, this case will become the largest settlement the Department of Justice “has ever secured in a case involving sexual harassment in housing.” Also according to the NYT, the bulk of the settlement is expected to go to the victims. Centanni is also facing separate criminal charges. 

Kennedy Hunt P.C. applauds the Department of Justice for advocating for the victims of Centanni. As a civil rights law firm, we are committed to the belief that all people deserve access to fair housing, free of coercion, harassment, and assault. If you or someone you know has been a victim of housing discrimination, our skilled attorneys at Kennedy Hunt, P.C. may be able to help you. Fill out a questionnaire so we can understand your claim. 

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Trinity Sober Living owned this house in Hinsdale to provide housing for men recovering from alcoholism and drug addiction. (Kimberly Fornek / Pioneer Press)

On June 16, 2019, Trinity purchased a five-bedroom home located in Hinsdale, IL. Trinity interviewed to operate the home as a sober living home for persons in recovery from alcoholism or drug addiction. In August 2019, Trinity made a request for a reasonable accommodation to waive the number of unrelated persons who could live together as a family in order to operate the sober home under the zoning restrictions in Hinsdale. Instead of granting the accommodation, Hinsdale responded by filing a lawsuit to evict Trinity the next day.

On November 24, 2020, the United States Department of Justice filed a companion lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges similar violations of the Fair Housing Act and seeks to enforce its provisions against the Village of Hinsdale. The lawsuit also seeks civil penalties.  You can read more about the companion lawsuit here, and well as the DOJ press release here.

Kennedy Hunt, P.C.’s attorneys are experienced in handling Fair Housing matters. Please contact us for a consultation if you believe you have experienced Fair Housing Act violations.

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