According to MyCentralJersey.com, a N J landlord Joseph Centanni Charge and alleged of extracted sexual favors from low-income renters and threatened others who refused his sexual requests.
The suspected sexual predator is now facing a slew of criminal charges in connection with the claims, which prosecutors say took place between 2013 and 2020 and affected 30 victims.
The Union County Prosecutor’s Office stated last week that 75-year-old Joseph Centanni had been charged with 23 counts of second-degree sexual assault and 19 instances of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.
The government claims Centanni, who owned hundreds of rental units in 18 low-income homes in Elizabeth, New Jersey, bribed women and men aged 22 to 61 for sexual favors.
Prosecutors said Centanni targeted those who were in financial distress, on the verge of eviction, or were already homeless.
“The defendant reportedly solicited sex acts from his victims as a quid pro quo, pledging to grant them rent reductions, a delay in an eviction, or other types of financial aid in exchange,” the prosecutor’s office says in a statement. “He also allegedly threatened tenants who resisted his advances with eviction or other punitive measures.”
Centanni paid $4.5 million in a one-year settlement with the Justice Department to resolve a lawsuit alleging harassment and discrimination in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
Centanni was compelled to sell his rental properties as part of the agreement, and he was barred from owning or managing any further properties. As part of the deal, he was not compelled to confess any wrongdoing.
According to NBC News, the DOJ accused Centanni of sexually harassing tenants for 15 years. According to the Justice Department, he engaged in “severe or pervasive sexual harassment” of tenants and prospective renters.
In certain cases, Centanni is accused of compelling tenants to engage in oral sex or enable him to touch them in order for him to assist them in obtaining rental assistance.
Other Claims filled against N J landlord Joseph Centanni
Some victims have also filed individual claims against Centanni. According to MyCentralJersey.com, one lady claims Centanni requested she perform oral sex on him in order for her to rent one of his flats. At the time, her husband was suffering from a terminal illness.
Another lady claims Centanni demanded oral sex every time she was late or fell behind on her rent. According to the publication, if she refused to have oral sex, Centanni would start the eviction process.
According to the prosecutor’s office, second-degree crimes can result in terms of 5 to 10 years in prison on each count, while fourth-degree crimes can result in sentences of up to 18 months in prison on each count.
Call the Union County Prosecutor’s Office at 908-477-1698 if you have any information regarding Centanni.
