Subject:
Title
Proposed initiation of litigation in the case of Deborah Jackson v. PKC2, LLC et al; HUD Case No. 04-23-5251-8; PC Case No. 23-036 - alleged housing discrimination.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and authorization for the County Attorney to initiate litigation on behalf of Deborah Jackson through outside counsel retained for these legal services.
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Strategic Plan:
N/A
Summary:
Summary
On July 27, 2023, Complainant Deborah Jackson 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 race, color and discriminatory terms, conditions, privileges or services and facilities under the Fair Housing Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. §3601, et. seq.). Specifically, Respondents imposed unfavorable terms and conditions on Complainant’s tenancy including repeated three-day letters for non-payment when Complainant was not delinquent, and Respondents’ refusal to make minor repairs on Complainant’s unit. These unfavorable terms were not imposed on similarly situated tenants. Following their investigation, on October 30, 2023, PCOHR issued a finding of reasonable cause to believe that Deborah Jackson was a victim of discriminatory housing practice on the basis of race and color 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 October 30, 2023.
Final Investigative Report dated October 26, 2023.