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Maryland
Eastern Shore landlord sought sex for rent, AG alleges
In 2021, Eric Sessoms rented a home in Maryland to a woman who had been unhoused.
In exchange for engaging in sex acts, Sessoms offered to reduce her rent. She acquiesced.
The woman recounted being illegally evicted after telling Sessoms she no longer wished to continue with that arrangement.
Those allegations are included in the first lawsuit that the Maryland Office of the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division filed on Friday in Wicomico County Circuit Court against Sessoms and Mt Vernon Group LLC, for which he serves as the resident agent.
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said Friday his top priority when taking office was obtaining the authority to enforce local, state and federal civil rights laws and described the occasion as historic.
The lawsuit alleges that Sessoms preyed on vulnerable women who were unhoused or at imminent risk of experiencing homelessness and engaged in a “persistent course of conduct” that subjected female tenants and prospective tenants to gender-based discrimination. Sessoms could not be reached for comment.
“The defendant’s conduct was severe, pervasive and humiliating to the women forced to endure his relentless advances and harassment,” Brown said at a news conference at the office’s headquarters on St. Paul Place in Baltimore.
“This case underscores the inherent power imbalance that is often at the root of sexual harassment,” he added, “and is only further magnified by the power imbalance in the landlord-tenant relationship.”
Later, Brown said, he wanted to take a moment to address other people who might be experiencing similar circumstances. “I believe you, and I’m taking action,” he said. “But first, we need to hear from you.”
The chief of the Civil Rights Division, Jonathan Smith, said Sessoms started serving as a landlord in Wicomico, Somerset and Worcester counties as early as 2018.
The lawsuit recounts the experience of five women.
In one case, Sessoms invited a prospective tenant who had four children and was experiencing homelessness to meet at a warehouse under the guise of signing a lease in 2023. He shut the door, unzipped his pants, grabbed her hand and put it on his penis, the lawsuit alleges.
The woman, the lawsuit asserts, “did not move into the property because of this sexual assault.” She remained unhoused for more than a year after that happened.
Sessoms also asked renters to date him, requested hugs and kisses and entered their homes without permission for no legitimate purpose, Smith said.
Jamie Miliman, supervising attorney of the Lower Eastern Shore Office of Maryland Legal Aid, the state’s largest provider of free civil legal services, first uncovered wrongdoing.
The private, nonprofit law firm filed a series of lawsuits and obtained settlements and peace of mind for its clients, said Vicki Schultz, the organization’s executive director.
“But we couldn’t stop there,” Schultz said. “And our team didn’t stop.”
Schultz said the group reached out to the attorney general’s office. She described the work as an example of government and nonprofit organizations partnering to deliver justice.
Maryland Chief Deputy Attorney Candace McLaren Lanham said it took a lot of courage for the women to come forward.
“We see you; we thank you, we are now fighting for you and fighting with you,” she said. “But we have reports that there are other women.”
Tipsters can contact a hotline that’s been set up for the case at 1-833-282-2977 or email MDvSessoms@oag.state.md.us.
The 21-year-old second baseman and 11th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft has deep ties to the D.C. region.
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals’ first-round draft pick Chris Hacopian inked his first professional contract Wednesday, a moment made sweeter by the fact it was just a 30-minute drive from home to get to Nationals Park and put pen to paper.
The 21-year-old second baseman and 11th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft has deep ties to the D.C. region. He’s from Potomac, Maryland, and played his high school ball at Winston Churchill, where he was named the 2022 Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year and a 2022 Washington Post All-Met selection.
According to MLB.com, Hacopian grew up a Nationals fan, admiring the likes of Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa and others. He also played his first two collegiate seasons at the University of Maryland, where his father Derek played before him, before transferring to Texas A&M for his junior season.
With the Aggies, Hacopian hit .319 with 11 home runs and 41 RBI across 42 games en route to being named First-Team All-Southeastern Conference and a Third-Team All-American by Baseball America, the Nationals said in a news release.
After inking his contract Wednesday, Hacopian donned his new jersey and ball cap and stepped onto D.C.’s beloved diamond as a part of the Nationals organization for the first time.
“That was so cool, oh my gosh. I’ve been in the stands like, 100 times, but being on the field is so different,” he said.
Hacopian was ranked 14th among MLB Draft prospects by MLB.com. The 6-foot-1-inch, 210-pound second baseman boasted one of the best bats in college baseball, according to MLB.com, with excellent control over the strike zone and feel for the barrel, along with solid pop.
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The state said the five recently traveled together to “a location in the U.S. experiencing an active measles outbreak.”
Maryland health officials confirmed five more measles cases, all in Carroll County.
“These individuals recently traveled together to a location in the U.S. experiencing an active measles outbreak,” the state Department of Health said in a release.
The agency said others may have been exposed on the afternoon of July 13 in the emergency department waiting room at Carroll Hospital Center in Westminster.
Another measles case recently prompted warnings from health officials in Maryland, Virginia and the District. On June 17, a Maryland resident traveled through Dulles International Airport and visited a D.C. urgent care clinic.
Measles is highly contagious. It can spread through the air through coughs, breathing, and sneezes. Early symptoms can include fevers of over 101 degrees, coughs, runny noses, watery eyes and face or body rashes.
It can take up to 21 days after exposure for the first symptoms to appear, and those who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles are especially vulnerable.
The five new measles cases in Maryland bring the state’s year-to-date total to nine. The state health department confirmed three cases in 2025, and one in each of the previous two years.
“All Marylanders should review potential exposure times, watch for symptoms, and confirm they are up to date on their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations,” the health department said.
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Baltimore may be under an extreme heat alert, but residents can dream about autumn, as tickets are now on sale for the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show returning to the Maryland State Fairgrounds in October.
This three-day celebration of home and garden takes place from Friday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Expect hundreds of exhibitors, local makers, home improvement experts, family-friendly experiences and celebrity guests. The show offers everyone the chance to explore the very latest in home improvement, landscaping, outdoor living and decor, the chance to take part in hands-on experiences, and do some holiday shopping all under one roof.
This year’s show will have more than 300 exhibitors, including more than 100 crafters from around Maryland in the Makers Market. There will be unique exhibits, stage presentations and a special appearance by Chase Morrill, Ashley Morrill-Eldridge and Ryan Eldridge from Magnolia Network’s hit series “Maine Cabin Masters.” The three will have two Main Stage appearances, one on Friday, Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. and the second on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12 p.m.
“As temperatures start to drop and the holiday season comes into view, the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show is a place to gather ideas, meet local experts and get inspired before the busy season begins,” said Dave Paul, show manager, in a statement. “Whether attendees are planning a home project, looking for outdoor living ideas or getting a head start on holiday shopping, the show brings together resources and experiences for every kind of homeowner, maker and DIY enthusiast.”
In addition to the Makers Market and stars of “Maine Cabin Masters”, the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show will have a petting zoo, a Kids Market where attendees can shop from local children, and much more.
Tickets are available online and at the door. Prices are as follows:
Online:
- Adults: $8
- Senior Citizens (60+): $6
- Children (ages 6-12): $4
- 4-Pack Online: $30 for four tickets, valid for one admission each and one day only
At the door:
- Adults: $10
- Senior Citizens (60+): $8
- Children (ages 6-12): $4
- Friday & Saturday: $4 after 4 p.m. at the door only
Special Offers:
- Active and retired military personnel, veterans, firefighters and police officers receive free admission all weekend, along with one guest, with valid ID at the box office.
- Attendees who show a CharmPass app, Light RailLink ticket or eligible transit pass at the box office receive free admission any day of the show. One admission is available per pass.
The Maryland State Fairgrounds is located at 2200 York Road in Lutherville-Timonium.
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