Subject:
Title
Proposed initiation of litigation in the case of Crystal Allen v. 2001 Develop, et al; HUD Case No. 04-25-7674-8; PC Case No. 25-006 - alleged housing discrimination.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and authorization for the County Attorney to initiate litigation on behalf of Crystal Allen through outside counsel retained for these legal services.
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Strategic Priorities:
N/A
Summary:
Summary
On November 27, 2024, Complainant Crystal Allen filed a housing discrimination charge with the Pinellas County Office of Human Rights (PCOHR) alleging Complainant was subjected to unlawful housing discrimination (terms/conditions/privileges relating to rental and failure to make reasonable accommodation), based on her disability under the Fair Housing Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. §3601, et. seq.). Complainant toured Respondent’s rental unit with an intent to apply. However, Complainant did not apply for a unit due to Respondent’s denial of her reasonable accommodation for her service animal. Specifically, Respondent’s insistence that Complainant pay a pet deposit and pet fee for her service animal. Following that investigation, on May 27, 2025, PCOHR issued a finding of reasonable cause to believe that Crystal Allen was a victim of housing discrimination based on Respondent’s failure of reasonable accommodation, 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 27, 2025
Final Investigative Report dated May 27, 2025