Eastern Shore Landlord Ordered to Pay $2.495 Million for Sexual Harassment of Tenants

BALTIMORE, MD - The Maryland Attorney General's Civil Rights Division has secured a $2.495 million judgment against an Eastern Shore landlord, Eric Sessoms, and his company, Mt. Vernon Group, LLC, for engaging in a pattern of gender-based housing discrimination.

The lawsuit, filed in the Circuit Court for Wicomico County, found that Sessoms, who manages rental properties owned by the Mt. Vernon Group, exploited women facing housing instability. The investigation revealed that he offered reduced rent and other housing benefits in exchange for sexual favors.

Sessoms subjected tenants and applicants to unwanted sexual advances, coercive conduct, voyeurism, and sexual assault, violating both federal and state fair housing laws.

On November 24, 2025, the Wicomico County Circuit Court granted the Civil Rights Division's requests. The court's order confirmed that Eric Sessoms and the Mt. Vernon Group, LLC, violated the federal Fair Housing Act and Maryland anti-discrimination laws.

As a result, Sessoms is prohibited from working in the residential rental industry. The Mt. Vernon Group, LLC must appoint a new resident agent and conduct annual training on gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment for all owners, agents, and employees.

The judgment requires the defendants to pay a total of $2,495,000. This amount includes $2,325,000 in compensation for the women harmed by the discriminatory conduct. An additional $170,000 will be paid in civil penalties to the state. The court also awarded the state $111,711.25 to cover the costs of the investigation and litigation.

"This $2.49 million judgment puts predatory landlords on notice that we will hold them accountable. These survivors showed tremendous courage coming forward, and today's ruling ensures they receive justice," said Attorney General Brown. "No one should have to endure sexual harassment to keep a roof over their head."

It is illegal for landlords to sexually harass tenants or prospective tenants or to retaliate against those who report such advances. The Office of the Attorney General encourages anyone who has experienced civil rights violations to report them by emailing civilrights@oag.maryland.gov, submitting a complaint on their website, or calling 410-576-6300.