Subject:
Title
Proposed initiation of litigation in the case of Jerome Lascko v. Sun Country Properties, Inc.; HUD Case No. 04-18-1577-8; PC Case No. 18-030 - alleged housing discrimination.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval to authorize outside counsel to initiate litigation on behalf of Jerome Lascko through the existing agreements with Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc., Bay Area Legal Services, Inc., or Page Law, P.A. for legal services.
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Strategic Plan:
N/A
Summary:
In his February 23, 2018 complaint, Complainant, Jerome Lascko, a person with a disability, filed a charge of housing discrimination with the Pinellas County Office of Human Rights alleging he was subjected to unlawful housing discrimination on the basis of his handicap. Specifically, although Complainant provided documentation illustrating his need for a service animal, Respondent, Sun Country Properties, Inc., refused to sell him a mobile home thus denying him a reasonable accommodation resulting in the loss of a housing opportunity. Following that investigation, on June 8, 2018, The Pinellas County Office of Human Rights (PCOHR) issued a finding of reasonable cause to believe that Complainant was a victim of housing discrimination based on his disability, in violation of Chapter 70 of the Pinellas County Code and the FHAA, including, but not limited to, 42 U.S.C. § 3604(f)(1)(A). Attempts to conciliate the matter were unsuccessful. In accordance with Section 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, the County Attorney’s office shall provide legal representation in an administrative hearing.
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
Brijesh Patel, Assistant County Attorney
Partners:
Office of Human Rights
Attachments:
Final Investigative Report dated June 7, 2018
Determination dated June 8, 2018