Federal government sues Springfield landlord

The federal government has filed suit against a Springfield landlord over allegations that he sexually harassed tenants.

Jimmie Bell is accused in the lawsuit filed by the Justice Department of allegedly violating the Fair Housing Act by subjecting multiple female tenants to unwelcome sexual advances and sexual touching, offering to reduce rent or make needed repairs in exchange for sex acts, and initiating eviction proceedings against tenants who refused his advances, according to a news release.

“No one should ever be subjected to sexual harassment and degradation simply to keep a roof over their head,” said Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, in the release. “Sexual harassment in residential settings is uniquely abhorrent because one’s home should be a place of refuge."

Bell has managed more than 100 residential rental properties in the Springfield area, according to the release. The lawsuit names Bell individually and as a trustee of Second Bell Trust, as well as Fourth Bell LLC. Second Bell Trust and Fourth Bell served as the ownership groups for many of the properties Bell managed.

Bell’s attorney did not provide a statement to Springfield Business Journal by deadline this morning.

The federal government's lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate individuals harmed by the alleged behavior, a civil penalty and a court order barring the defendant from future discrimination, according to the release. The Justice Department also is asking for individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental properties owned or managed by Bell to contact the agency's office.

Bell last year was charged by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development with housing discrimination based on sexual misconduct claims, according to past reporting.

HUD referred the matter to the Justice Department after Bell elected to have the claims resolved via civil action, according to the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri Southern Division.