37 New Women Come Forward In Baltimore's Sex-For-Repairs Lawsuit

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—More women are now coming forward in a sex for repairs lawsuit against the Baltimore City Housing Authority.

Nearly a year after WJZ uncovered the housing authority was under fire in a sex for repairs scandal, more women are accusing maintenance men of demanding sex before fixing deplorable; even life-threatening conditions are surfacing.

"Mistakes have been made here and some of them have been very serious mistakes," said Baltimore Housing Paul Graziano after a settlement was reach in the lawsuit back in January.

Lynette Cooper, was one of 19 women who initially came forward to report mold, lack of heat, and even rodent infestations were ignored by workers unless granted sexual favors.

On Thursday, WJZ has learned that 37 new women have come forward, bringing the total to 56.

The housing authority agreed to the settle the suit by paying out millions to victims once the case is approved by the courts.

RELATED: City Reaches Settlement In Sex-For-Repairs Lawsuit

Attorney's for the women are pleased with the deal.

The case also prompted changes including new maintenance staff and system.

Today that system is the cause of another fight at Perkins Homes.

Tensions were at an all time high as the commissioner met to talk about some of the improvements at Perkins Homes.

The community  gathered to force him to meet within 2 weeks to address larger issues.

Some who live there say maintenance work at Perkins and other public housing has stopped.

Housing Commissioner Paul Graziano tells WJZ that's simply not true.

"We have the facts to show that this has been addressed," he said.

The Class Action Lawsuit still needs the approval of the courts and the Federal Housing Authority.

Once the lawsuit is approved some women could get up to $7.95 million.