Subject:
Title
Proposed initiation of litigation in the case of Melissa Carr v. Jason Nguyen, et al; HUD Case No. 04-26-9732-8; PC Case No. 26-015 - alleged housing discrimination.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and authorization for the County Attorney to initiate litigation on behalf of Melissa Carr through outside counsel retained for these legal services.
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Strategic Priorities:
N/A
Summary:
Summary
On February 24, 2026, Complainant Melissa Carr filed a housing discrimination charge with the Pinellas County Office of Human Rights (PCOHR) alleging Complainant was subjected to unlawful housing discrimination on the bases of disability and discriminatory refusal to rent and negotiate for rental under the Fair Housing Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. §3601, et. seq.). Specifically, Respondents rejected Complainant’s application for housing after being informed of her disability claiming the physical limitations of the property, even though Complainant had already physically toured the property without claiming any access difficulties. Said property was then rented to another applicant who was able-bodied. Following their investigation, on May 28, 2026, PCOHR issued a finding of reasonable cause to believe that Melissa Carr was a victim of discriminatory housing practice due to her disability in violation of Chapter 70 of the Pinellas County Code and the Fair Housing Act, as amended. Attempts to conciliate the matter were unsuccessful.
In accordance with Sections 70-146 and 70-147 of the Pinellas County Code, the County Attorney’s Office is required to file a civil action on behalf of an aggrieved party seeking appropriate relief, and if a timely election is not made, to have the charge decided in a civil action.
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Background Information:
The Determination issued by the PCOHR setting forth the facts and applicable law that led to the reasonable cause determination is attached, as well as the Final Investigative Report.
Fiscal Impact:
Unknown.
Staff Member Responsible:
Jewel White, County Attorney
Keiah L. Townsend, Assistant County Attorney
Partners:
Office of Human Rights
Attachments:
Determination dated May 28, 2026.
Final Investigative Report dated May 6, 2026.