May 21, 2024 – Peter McCarthy, 51, was found to have violated the Fair Housing Act after a five-day federal trial in Boston, said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. Seven of his victims will receive $3.8 million in damages. McCarthy owned and operates Steps of Solutions, Inc.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office filed the complaint against McCarthy in 2021, alleging that he offered reduced or forgiven rent in exchange for sexual favors. He was also accused of making unwelcome sexual comments and advances, requesting nude photos in exchange for forgiving rent, and retaliating against residents who reported his actions.
McCarthy was convicted of indecent assault and battery in 1992 and was registered as a sex offender from 2004 to 2015, the complaint said.
“This defendant preyed on vulnerable women in recovery from addiction and forced them to choose between his sexual demands and keeping a roof over their heads,” Levy said in a statement. “Housing is a fundamental need and every person has the right to feel safe and secure in their own home. No one should be subjected to unwanted demands for sex acts from their landlord.”
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