ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A group of nine women have reached a settlement in a lawsuit against their former property manager, accused of sexual harassment in an Albuquerque apartment complex, officials confirmed. The dispute centers around allegations that the manager of St. Anthony Plaza Apartments, located in the northwest region of the city, engaged in inappropriate behavior ranging from invasive comments to unwelcome physical advances over a span of more than a decade.
The legal action brought to light claims that Ariel Solis Veleta, who oversaw the apartment complex, exploited his role by harassing female tenants from 2010 through 2022. The allegations reported to the Housing and Urban Development Department hotline included requests for nude photographs and instances where Solis Veleta locked women in his office.
“This was a clear abuse of power in a setting that should be safe and secure for all residents,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Cunniff stated. He emphasized the vulnerabilities exposed within housing operations, particularly those subsidized under Section 8, a federal assistance program aimed to aid low-income families.
In response to the lawsuit, Solis Veleta and the property’s ownership reached an agreement with the plaintiffs earlier this month. To resolve the claims, they established a $350,000 fund designated for direct compensation to the victims.
Moreover, stringent measures have been put into place to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents. According to the terms of the settlement, Solis Veleta is now permanently barred from managing properties and is prohibited from visiting St. Anthony Plaza Apartments or contacting any of the claimants. The company itself is required to implement a new protocol for addressing discrimination and handling complaints related to sexual harassment. Furthermore, staff involved with property management must now undergo specific training aimed at improving oversight and promoting a respectful environment.
The settlement has sparked discussions about safety and harassment policies within rental housing, a concern especially significant for occupants of subsidized housing who often have limited alternatives.
If you believe you were a victim, you’re encouraged to contact the assigned helpline at 833-591-0291 to discuss potential entitlements under the settlement agreement.
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