Owner Of Sober Homes In Boston Facing Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

BOSTON — Peter McCarthy, 49, of Lynn, subjected women to sexual harassment who were seeking solace in his sober homes while trying to overcome addiction.

The lawsuit claims that McCarthy, the sole proprietor of Steps to Solutions, Inc. offered to reduce or forgive rent, grant extra house privileges, or waive security deposits in exchange for engaging in sexual acts from 2012 to at least 2019.

The court documents show that he requested sexually explicit photographs, made unwanted sexual comments, and took adverse housing actions against residents who tried to report him.

The lawsuit filed by the U.S. District Attorney's office seeks a court order to prevent future discriminatory conduct, monetary damages to compensate victims of McCarthy’s conduct, and civil penalties.

"It is disappointing that a landlord who is supposed to be helping vulnerable women beat drug addiction was allegedly sexually harassing them and offering to reduce their rent in exchange for sex," said Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell. "People who have experienced this kind of sexual harassment might be reluctant to report it, but we need to hear from them. Reporting sexual harassment is essential to stop and prevent sexual harassment."

"At a time when our country is experiencing record numbers of deaths related to drug overdoses, it is particularly disturbing to see sexually harassing conduct targeted at individuals who are in recovery," said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. "The Department of Justice will not tolerate landlords who abuse their power and will continue to vigorously pursue allegations of sexual harassment."

The Justice Department's Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. The goal of the initiative is to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers, or other people who have control over housing. Since launching the Initiative in October 2017, the Justice Department has filed 22 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing.

Individuals who have information about this case can contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office by calling 617-748-3274, by e-mailing USAMA.victimassistance@usdoj.gov, or by visiting the case webpage.