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By Samuel A. Lopez - USA Herald

[ALBUQUERQUE, NM] – A disturbing new settlement in New Mexico has brought to light the dark realities of sexual harassment in housing, with the U.S. Department of Justice securing a $360,000 settlement for victims at St. Anthony Plaza Apartments in Albuquerque. This legal victory, however, is just one example in a growing pattern of unchecked landlord abuses that continue to surface across the nation, including right here in California.

In March 2024, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Ariel Solis Veleta, the former property manager of St. Anthony Plaza Apartments, alleging that for over a decade, Solis sexually harassed multiple female tenants. His abuses reportedly included unwelcome sexual advances, physical assault, and even threats of eviction for women who refused his demands. The Department's action has resulted in a settlement that will provide $350,000 in compensation to the victims, and a $10,000 civil penalty to the United States, in addition to reforms aimed at preventing further abuses.

A Systemic Issue: Unchecked Landlord Power and the Vulnerable Tenants Left Exposed

As I previously covered for USA Herald regarding the case of Sacramento slumlord Raghvendra “Raj” Singh, the sexual harassment at St. Anthony Plaza Apartments is not an isolated incident. Singh’s 2020 conviction for defrauding tenants and engaging in a series of illegal activities revealed just how vulnerable tenants can be when unscrupulous landlords wield unchecked power. Singh’s case, which saw him sentenced to 12 years in prison for a range of fraudulent activities and abusive tactics, casts a long shadow over the rental market, particularly for low-income tenants in government-subsidized housing programs.

"A home should be a place of refuge, not fear."
Kathleen P. Wolfe, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, who assisted in the investigation of Ariel Solis Veleta.

Yet, the cycle of abuse persists. As Singh’s criminal activities led to a string of civil cases and other forms of mistreatment against tenants in the Sacramento area, it became increasingly evident that Section-8 housing programs continue to overlook the red flags when choosing to contract with landlords who show clear signs of misconduct.

The Profit Over People Problem: HUD Housing Abuse and Negligence

Despite the allegations of sexual harassment and violence by property managers like Solis in New Mexico, and the systematic fraud by Singh in Sacramento, government-subsidized housing programs (Section-8) continue contracting with landlords whose behavior endangers the health and safety of tenants.

This behavior is not only tolerated but also enabled by the desperate need for available housing in economically disadvantaged areas. As government-subsidized housing programs scramble to meet the demand for affordable housing, they often overlook the crucial issue of tenant safety, instead prioritizing bottom-line financial interests.

This has led to a dangerous pattern where vulnerable tenants—often low-income families, veterans, and elderly individuals—are subjected to unsafe, abusive conditions in exchange for affordable housing. The settlement in New Mexico is an example of how these tenants are often left to fend for themselves without the necessary protections from housing programs that are meant to safeguard their dignity and safety.

“No low-income tenant should face the threat of being sexually harassed or abused by a property manager or others who control their housing.”
Stephen M. Begg, Acting Inspector General of HUD.

However, despite the strong words from the acting IG, HUD's continued contracts with known bad actors play a significant role in allowing these patterns to persist. While the settlement does provide some compensation to the victims of Solis, the investigation overlooked how he was able to engage in such behavior for decades. This raises important questions about the effectiveness of HUD’s screening and vetting processes for landlords, as well as how they address tenant complaints regarding landlord misconduct.

Much like Singh, Solis had already faced significant accusations and warnings. However, these warnings were disregarded as similar housing authorities prioritize availability over accountability.

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