News

Actions

Former maintenance worker charged in sex-for-repairs scandle acquitted

Posted
and last updated

A former public housing worker who was accused of demanding sexual favors for repairs was acquitted Thursday. 

Doug Hussy was charged with assault, a fourth degree of sex offense, harassment and misconduct in office. 

See also: Lawsuit: Maintenance men in Gilmor Homes demanded sex in exchange for work

Prosecutors say the victim was supposed to testify in court, but did not show up. 

In 2015, several women came forward claiming maintenance men at Gilmor Homes and other city public housing sites asked for sex in order to make home repairs. The Housing Authority vowed to improve housing and settled a multi-million dollar class action lawsuit with a group of women. 

RELATED: Settlement reached in public housing 'sex-for-repairs' lawsuit

Another former maintenance worker, Charles Coleman, also faces charges in this case. 

See also: Two former maintenance workers charged in sex-for-repairs scandal

In a statement Friday, the City State's Attorney Office said,

“This case relied solely on the testimony of the victim who we were confident would appear in court this afternoon, but surprisingly did not. The allegations made in this case are reprehensible, and we were eager to seek justice on this victim’s behalf. Unfortunately, this victim is a survivor of sexual assault and their lack of cooperation is consistent with the more than 20 percent of felony cases the State's Attorney's Office is forced to STET or Nol pros a year. Recognizing the strain that reliving this ordeal may have caused, the SAO will continue to support this victim as much as we can,” said Melba Saunders, a City State's Attorney spokesperson.