EDWARDSVILLE - A resident at a Granit City low-income housing unit is suing management after he was allegedly assaulted inside his apartment.
Mark Ivy filed suit May 28 in Madison County Circuit Court against Kendra Fabish, Kevin Haynes, and Chestnut Health Systems, which manages low-rental housing units in Granite City intended for those with substance abuse and mental health issues.
The suit also names the man who assaulted him, Kevin Haynes, and a supervisor. Haynes pleaded guilty to the Aug. 27, 2018, assault and received six months supervision, according to court records.
According to the complaint, Ivy alleges the housing provider typically prohibits anyone with a history of violence from renting a unit in the complex. He adds that the defendant had policies in place to screen potential tenants for placement in the units. However, Ivy claims the defendant negligently allowed Haynes to live an apartment with a violent record.
The suit states that the housing complex had "round the clock" security doors that were locked and unlocked by staff members.
In the case of Haynes, Ivy claims the Chestnut Health Systems staff failed to properly screen him and his alleged criminal background. On the night of the incident at issue, Ivy alleges Haynes knocked on the plaintiff's door, forced his way in, and assaulted Ivy, including striking him multiple times on his face, head and body.
As a result, Ivy claims he suffered serious and permanent injuries, including contusions and sprains of the ligaments and cervical spine. He also states he suffered emotional distress. The defendant was arrested and charged with battery following the assault.
Ivy, who is seeking more than $50,000 in damages, is represented by Phillip Baldwin of Scroggins Law Office in Granite City.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 2020-L-0743