NEW ORLEANS — A Louisiana woman is suing a commercial real estate company and its owner, alleging discrimination in housing and employment.
Sharon Marie Chester of Arabia filed a lawsuit Aug. 1 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against Franklin Square Rentals and Frank N. Arena Jr., alleging violation of the Civil Rights Act.
According to the complaint, Chester, a Caucasian who displayed pro-civil rights posters, lost present and future clientele, damage to her reputation and monetary damages for incurring expenses for a sudden and unplanned move from Franklin Square that was caused by the defendants. The suit says Chester continues to pay an extra $100 per month for a replacement commercial space, plus utilities.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants refused her payment and accosted her until she left the property.
Chester seeks a trial by jury, a permanent injunction or other injunctive relief enjoining the defendants from maintaining or continuing to discriminate on the basis of race or color, compensatory and punitive damages including pre-judgment interest, attorney fees, legal costs and all relief the court deems equitable. She is represented by attorney Galen M. Hair of Varadi, Hair & Checki, LLC in New Orleans.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana Case number 2:16-cv-13471