DOJ Files Lawsuit Against Missouri Housing Authority Director for Alleged Sexual Harassment

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated legal action against Eddie Joe Hankins, the former executive director of the Housing Authority of the City of Bloomfield, Missouri, and the Housing Authority itself, alleging sexual harassment of a female public housing applicant in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

According to the lawsuit filed on September 30, 2025, the incident occurred in 2021 when a woman, residing with her three children, applied for public housing assistance. After her application was denied, she met with Hankins to discuss her situation. During this meeting, Hankins allegedly made unwanted sexual advances, commented inappropriately on her appearance, and suggested that her compliance with his conduct could influence her housing assistance. When she resisted, Hankins purportedly refused to assist her further.

The DOJ asserts that the Housing Authority is vicariously liable for Hankins' actions. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages for the applicant and a court order to prevent future discrimination.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division emphasized the department's commitment to addressing such misconduct, stating, "There is no place in America for public officials who abuse their trust to coerce sexual acts from the people they are duty-bound to help, be it in public housing or other areas. We will hold them accountable."

This case is part of the DOJ's broader efforts to combat sexual harassment in housing. In October 2017, the department launched the Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative, aiming to address harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, and others in control of housing. Since its inception, the initiative has filed numerous lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and has recovered significant damages for victims.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing-related activities on the basis of sex, among other protected characteristics. The DOJ's enforcement of this act underscores the importance of protecting individuals from discrimination and harassment in housing.

The lawsuit against Hankins and the Housing Authority of the City of Bloomfield serves as a significant reminder of the need for ethical conduct in public service and the ongoing efforts to safeguard individuals from discrimination and harassment in housing.