DaytonDailyNews.com

KETTERING — An investigation by the Ohio Civil Rights Commission found "probable cause" of an unfair housing violation by a landlord who allegedly sexually harassed and discriminated against a tenant.

The commission found it likely that Arthur L. Burton, 1255 Devon Ave. in Kettering, violated the rights of a tenant last year by repeatedly making unwanted sexual advances and statements, according to documents released this week. Burton owns several properties in Montgomery County, according to county records.

Vincent B. Curry, director of the Fair Housing Advocates Association that filed the complaint in May, called it "one of the most blatant" cases of sexual harassment his organization has ever investigated.

"I was stunned by what we uncovered," Curry said, adding that some of Burton's comments were captured by the alleged victim on audio tape.

Burton called the complaint against him "ridiculous."

"There is no merit to it," he said, vowing to fight the complaint in court. "There's only one victim here and it's me."

The finding will be presented to civil rights commissioners at their next meeting Nov. 15, said Toni Delgado, commission spokeswoman. Burton has 10 days to respond.

The case then goes to an administrative law judge. If there is no settlement, it could reach Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann, whose office could take legal action, Delgado said.

Curry said the alleged victim is also considering filing criminal charges.

Contact the reporter at (937) 225-2342 or cmagan@DaytonDailyNews.com