KCK housing authority, former employees to pay $360,000 for sexual harassment
The Kansas City, Kan., Housing Authority and three former employees will pay more than $300,000 to settle sexual harassment claims.
The Department of Justice on Friday announced the settlement of a suit that had been filed by the federal government in 2015.
A total of $360,000 will be paid by the authority, former administrative coordinator Victor Hernandez, former property manager Derrick Estelle Sr., and former director of housing management Ronald Cobb, according to terms of the settlement.
The money will be paid to 14 victims of sexual harassment.
An additional $5,000 in civil penalties will be paid to the U.S. government.
The allegations include instances where Hernandez subjected women to unwanted sexual conduct including asking sexual questions, showing pornographic pictures and videos, making explicit sexual comments and exposing himself.
The complaint also alleged that Estelle and Cobb gave housing benefits in return for sexual favors. Both also allegedly made repeated unwelcome and offensive sexual advances to women residing in or applying for public housing.
Tony Rizzo: 816-234-4435, @trizzkc
This story was originally published September 29, 2017 at 3:06 PM with the headline "KCK housing authority, former employees to pay $360,000 for sexual harassment."