Judge orders Eastern Shore landlord to pay $2.5M for sexual assault of tenants

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An Eastern Shore landlord on Monday was ordered to pay nearly $2.5 million for sexual assault and harassment of women who were current or prospective tenants.

The Wicomico County Circuit Court on Nov. 24 entered a $2.495 million default judgment against Mt Vernon Group LLC and Eric Sessoms, the company’s operator and manager, who reduced rent and offered other housing benefits in exchange for sexual favors.

Sessoms was found to have subjected women who lived or were applying to live at Mt Vernon Group’s properties to sexual assault, unwanted advances, coercion and other forms of gender discrimination in violation of federal and state fair housing laws.

The lawsuit, filed in July 2024, was the first brought by the newly formed Civil Rights Division of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, and represents the latest in a string of settlements and judgments against landlords across the state.

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said the judgment “puts predatory landlords on notice that we will hold them accountable.”

“These survivors showed tremendous courage coming forward, and today’s ruling ensures they receive justice,” Brown stated in a news release. “No one should have to endure sexual harassment to keep a roof over their head.”

The court ordered Sessoms to stop working in the residential rental industry “in perpetuity,” and ordered the company to appoint a new resident agent.

Most of the $2.495 million judgment, more than $2.3 million, will compensate women who faced discrimination.

The court’s order lists 20 anonymous women who will receive at least $85,000 each, with victims of coerced sexual intercourse, sexual assault and illegal evictions receiving more. One victim, who was illegally evicted and coerced into intercourse, is set to receive $305,000. Three will receive $235,000.

The state will receive another $170,000 in civil penalties. In addition to the judgment, the OAG was awarded just under $112,000 for the cost of investigation and litigation.

Anupa Mukhopadhyay, who represented Sessoms and the company, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

Mt Vernon Group owns about 40 rental properties in Somerset, Worcester and Wicomico counties, according to Maryland Legal Aid, which has sued the company, alleging substandard living conditions.