Subject:
Title
Proposed initiation of litigation in the case of Teresa Roberson v. St. Petersburg Housing Authority et al; HUD Case No. 04-23-4801-8; PC Case No. 23-026 - alleged housing discrimination.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and authorization for the County Attorney to initiate litigation on behalf of Teresa Roberson through outside counsel retained for these legal services.
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Strategic Plan:
N/A
Summary:
Summary
On May 1, 2023, Complainant Teresa Roberson filed a housing discrimination charge with the Pinellas County Office of Human Rights (PCOHR) alleging Complainant was subjected to unlawful housing discrimination on the basis of disability under the Fair Housing Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. §3601, et. seq.). Specifically, Respondents denial of Complainant’s request to process the portability package transferring her Tampa Housing Authority voucher to St. Petersburg Housing Authority so she could begin the process of finding housing in Pinellas County. Following their investigation, on August 9, 2023, PCOHR issued a finding of reasonable cause to believe that Teresa Roberson was a victim of discriminatory housing practice on the basis of 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 August 9, 2023.
Final Investigative Report dated August 10, 2023.