Attorneys Announce Massive Settlement In Baltimore Sex For Repairs Lawsuit

BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Attorneys have announced that a $6 million to $7 million settlement has been reached in a sex for repairs lawsuit involving the Baltimore Housing Authority.

Derek Valcourt has details on who cashing in on the big payout.

Lynette Cooper is one of 19 women who joined a federal lawsuit against the Baltimore Housing Authority detailing sexual harassment they claim to have endured from a housing authority maintenance men.

The women say workers demanded sexual favors before agreeing to repair deplorable, even life threatening conditions, including mold, lack of heat and rodent infestations.

"Mistakes have been made here and some of them have been very serious mistakes," said Baltimore Housing Commissioner, Paul Graziano.

Graziano tells WJZ he talked to some of the victims personally and found their stories compelling.

In the settlement, the Housing Authority has agree to open the case to Class Action Status and settle for at least $6 million to $7.95 million, depending on how many more victims come forward.

Cary Hansel, the victims' attorney, says "were happy that their voices were heard."

"I'm happy that the situation is over with," said Lynette Cooper, one of the victims.

Graziano says the case has spurred comprehensive systemic reforms at the Housing Authority. They've hired dozens of new maintenance workers, fired all of the abusers named in the lawsuit and improved the way they handle maintenance requests, which surfaced as a major complaint in the wake of the lawsuits.

"We're going to make sure that this sort of thing does not happen again," said Graziano.

The historic settlement requires the approval of the courts and the Federal Housing Authority.

Once the settlement is formally approved, there will be a 60 day window where other housing residents who claim to be victims can come forward and join the class action case.

Attorneys expect the entire process will be wrapped up and the settlement paid out six months from now.

The settlement money will be paid from federal housing funds, not city tax payer dollars.