MORGANTOWN -- A Morgantown landlord who sexually harassed tenants must pay $175,000.

Gary Walden also is barred from contacting the tenants for eight years under terms of the settlement reached this week in a lawsuit filed in Monongalia County Circuit Court.

The West Virginia Human Rights Commission filed the lawsuit in April on behalf of tenant Stacie Summers, who said Walden sexually harassed her, made inappropriate advances toward her and fondled her.

Walden also agreed to pay $50,000 for violating the West Virginia Fair Housing Act.

Paul Sheridan, state deputy attorney general for civil rights, said the $175,000 will be distributed to Summers and other victims, who were still being identified.

Sheridan said many of the victims received government rental assistance.

Gary Walden also is barred from contacting the tenants for eight years under terms of the settlement reached this week in a lawsuit filed in Monongalia County Circuit Court.

The West Virginia Human Rights Commission filed the lawsuit in April on behalf of tenant Stacie Summers, who said Walden sexually harassed her, made inappropriate advances toward her and fondled her.

Walden also agreed to pay $50,000 for violating the West Virginia Fair Housing Act.

Paul Sheridan, state deputy attorney general for civil rights, said the $175,000 will be distributed to Summers and other victims, who were still being identified.

Sheridan said many of the victims received government rental assistance.