Maryland AG Files Historic Lawsuit Against Landlord

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown filed a lawsuit against Eric Sessoms and Mt. Vernon Group LLC for sexual discrimination, alleging that Sessoms coerced women for sex in exchange for housing benefits. The lawsuit, the first under the new civil rights division, highlights Sessoms' alleged pattern of gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment towards vulnerable women. Sessoms targeted unhoused or financially distressed women, offering reduced rent in exchange for sexual favors and retaliating against those who refused. The lawsuit includes multiple incidents of harassment, emphasizing the power imbalance in landlord-tenant relationships. The Attorney General's office is seeking restitution, penalties, and injunctive relief in response to the allegations.