CROWN POINT, Ind. (AP) – The U.S. Justice Department is suing a northwestern Indiana mobile home park, alleging it discriminated against families with children in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

A lawsuit filed Monday in federal court alleges Gentle Manor Estates and leasing agent John Townsend had a policy of refusing to allow families with children to live at the Crown Point mobile home park.  The Justice Department says individuals posed as prospective renters to gather information in the case.

The lawsuit seeks an order barring the defendants from engaging in future unlawful discrimination.  It also seeks the payment of a civil penalty and monetary damages for the families with children who were denied the opportunity to rent at Gentle Manor Estates.

A phone message seeking comment was left for Townsend.