Baltimore prosecutors are now conducting criminal investigation due to allegations against Gilmore Homes and other public housing sites' maintenance men who are allegedly demanding sexual favors in exchange of home repairs.
According to washingtonpost.com, Tammy Brown, a spokeswoman for Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby, said "Due to the seriousness of the allegations, our office is conducting an investigation to determine whether criminal charges should be brought."
Despite of Mayor Stephanie Rawlings- Blake's disgust over the accusations, she still defends Housing Commissioner Paul T. Graziano's management of the issue. She said "If the allegations are true, they're despicable and unacceptable. The commissioner takes those allegations very seriously. I know they're doing an investigation. I await the results of that investigation. There is no excuse for that type of behavior."
Federal lawsuits against Gilmore Homes, Govans Manor and Westport were amended on Tuesday to include other allegations from the women. The amendments include "assault and violations of their constitutional and fundamental rights, including the right to physical security."
One of the newer cases detailed a 24- year- old Gilmore Homes' female resident who was denied of repair in her burst heat pipes by a maintenance supervisor in 2013. With the woman's refusal of demands for sex, her home has been left in the cold and mold for years.
In a report by abcnews.go.com, some of the alleged abuse from repairmen dated back 2008 and the suit also said that the housing authority has "thwarted" an investigation by the local chapter of the municipal employees that resulted to dismissal request of the repairman in question.
The report also detailed that "Baltimore Housing Authority spokeswoman Tania Baker said Tuesday that the agency is aware of the allegations and continues to conduct an internal investigation."
Cary Hansel, an attorney representing the women, said "Our goal is always the fastest path to justice. Very often that's outside of court, but if we don't get a satisfactory result outside of court we'll go to court. We're happy the housing authority is at least talking to us and our clients, we are happy that the state's attorney's office is looking into matters and we are pleased that our clients have not seen these gentlemen in public housing since these issues became public."
What are your thoughts about this housing controversy? Share it in the comments!
