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U.S. v. Peter McCarthy and Steps to Solutions, Inc.

Docket: 21-cv-11300

On Wednesday, August 11, 2021, the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a civil complaint alleging that Peter McCarthy, who operates residential sober homes through his company, Steps to Solutions, Inc., subjected female tenants to sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

The lawsuit alleges that since at least 2012 through at least 2019, Peter McCarthy—the registered agent and sole officer of Steps to Solutions, Inc:

  • Offered to grant tangible benefits—such as reducing rent amounts, waiving securing deposits or giving house privileges—in exchange for engaging in sexual acts with him; 
  • Frequently made unwelcome sexual comments and sexual advances to female residents, including, but not limited to, propositions for sexual acts and inquiries into their sex lives;
  • Requested nude photos from female residents and indicated he would forgive rent if he received these nude photos; 
  • Subjected female residents to unwelcome sexual text messages; 
  • Made unwanted comments regarding female residents’ bodies; 
  • Suggested that female residents date him and/or engage in a sexual relationship with him; and 
  • Retaliated and took adverse housing actions against residents who reported his conduct.

Aggrieved parties

If you lived in, or applied to live in, a Steps to Solutions home and believe that you were sexually harassed, or if you have any information related to this matter, please contact the U.S. Attorney's Office at 617-748-3274 or by e-mailing USAMA.victimassistance@usdoj.gov.

Case Status

Information on case proceedings will be updated on this page as it becomes available to the public.

Resources

Documents

Updated December 8, 2022