Subject:
Title
Proposed initiation of litigation in the case of Vincent and Gen Carthane v. Charles Rutenberg Realty, Inc., et al.; HUD Case No. 04-18-3407-8; PC Case No. 18-054 - alleged housing discrimination.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval to initiate litigation on behalf of Vincent and Gen Carthane through outside counsel retained for fair housing legal services.
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Strategic Plan:
N/A
Summary:
On July 24, 2018, Complainant Vincent Carthane filed a charge of housing discrimination with the Pinellas County Office of Human Rights (PCOHR) on behalf of himself and his wife Gen Carthane alleging Complainants were subjected to unlawful housing discrimination on the basis of race. Specifically, Respondent’s refusal to accept Complainants’ application for a rental property due to a past felony record. Following that investigation, on October 31, 2018, the PCOHR issued a finding of reasonable cause to believe that Vincent Carthane may be a victim of housing discrimination in violation of Chapter 70 of the Pinellas County Code and the FHAA, including, but not limited to, Section 42 U.S.C.§ 3604(a), (b), (c) and (f). 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
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 is the Final Investigative Report.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Staff Member Responsible:
Jewel White, County Attorney
Diriki T. Geuka, Assistant County Attorney
Partners:
Office of Human Rights
Attachments:
Final Investigative Report dated October 23, 2018.
Determination dated October 31, 2018.