A trio of companies has settled allegations that they discriminated against a potential borrower because he is Hispanic.
Pedro Ibarra
claims that when he sought a loan from American Financial Network Inc. to purchase a home, he was not allowed to pre-qualify.
The Salinas, California, resident claims that he was denied a pre-qualification because he is Hispanic, which is a violation of the Fair Housing Act.
As a result, Ibarra filed a fair housing complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development claiming discrimination.
On Wednesday, HUD announced that it reached a settlement with Brea, California-based American Financial Network that will require a $5,000 payment to Ibarra.
Also agreeing to the conciliation agreement
were Benchmark Communities of Fresno, Brigantino Enterprise of Hollister and Benchmark-employee David Gottlieb. The two firms will provide fair housing training for employees.
