Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) announced today that DCR has issued Findings of Probable Cause in a case involving alleged harassment based on national origin and sex at The Summit condominium complex in Neptune, New Jersey. The findings indicate that the alleged harasser, the condominium owner where the harasser resided, and the condominium association may all be liable under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD).

In September 2023, a resident of The Summit filed a complaint with DCR alleging that Edward Leo, the live-in boyfriend of neighboring condo owner Donna Knepper, had subjected her to ongoing discrimination and harassment since spring 2020 due to her Russian nationality. The complainant reported that Leo's behavior included verbal insults, threats, taking photos and videos of her property, playing loud Russian music upon her arrival home, wielding an axe menacingly, throwing a beer bottle at her and her neighbor, and making offensive remarks to others who tried to intervene.

DCR's investigation found sufficient evidence suggesting that Leo's actions interfered with the complainant’s right to housing free from discrimination under LAD. Furthermore, it was determined that Knepper and The Summit at Neptune Condominium Association were aware of Leo’s conduct but failed to take adequate measures to stop it.

“There’s no excuse for the kind of discrimination described in this case,” said Attorney General Platkin. “We’re putting tenants, homeowners, and homeowners’ associations on notice: if you harass someone or allow someone to be harassed because of where they come from or their sex, we will hold you accountable.”

Sundeep Iyer, Director of the Division on Civil Rights added: “No one should face the sting of discrimination or harassment anywhere, especially in or around their home. That’s why it’s so important that property owners, management companies, and homeowners associations take effective action to address resident-on-resident harassment.”

The investigation reviewed extensive video and photographic evidence from 2020 through 2024 provided by the complainant. This evidence supported claims that Leo engaged in a pattern of harassment affecting the terms and conditions of her housing. Additionally, it was found that Leo escalated his harassment after she began reporting his conduct.

Regarding Knepper's involvement, DCR found little effort was made by Knepper to address or stop Leo’s behavior despite receiving violation notices from the condo association. The association itself issued 16 violation letters to Knepper between June 2022 and January 2024 but did not take stronger actions when Leo's conduct persisted.

The Findings of Probable Cause do not represent a final adjudication but indicate sufficient evidence for reasonable suspicion of LAD violations. Final adjudication by Superior Court or Office of Administrative Law could result in penalties up to $10,000 per first violation and up to $50,000 for multiple violations within five years.

For more information on filing complaints regarding discrimination under LAD or other related acts enforced by DCR:

- Visit [website]

- Call 1-833-NJDCR4U (833-653-2748)

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