The U.S. Justice Department says it has reached a settlement in a sexual harassment lawsuit involving an eastern Iowa apartment complex. The department says the case started with a complaint from two tenants at the Park Towers Apartments in Waterloo.
Under the settlement former Park Towers manager Michael Nieman, building owner Elders Incorporated, and J.S. Property Management will pay 10 victims a total of $80,000 along with a $15,000 civil penalty. The agreement also prevents Nieman from working in the management, rental or maintenance of rental housing.
U.S. Attorney Stephanie Rose issued a statement that the settlement order will ensure the Nieman will never be in a position to harass tenants again and will serve as a warning to other landlords that they will be held accountable if they engage in acts of sexual harassment against tenants.