A New Jersey resident is taking legal action against a housing company and several associated individuals and law firms, alleging a series of civil rights violations. On February 19, 2026, Bradford Vance filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey against Franklin Lakes Affordable Housing LLC and others. The case highlights ongoing disputes over property rights and alleged retaliatory actions.
Bradford Vance claims that his civil rights have been violated by Franklin Lakes Affordable Housing LLC, its principal Louis Friedman, and several attorneys associated with two law firms: Hoagland, Longo, Moran, Dunst & Doukas LLP and Ehrlich, Petriello, Gudin, Plaza & Reed P.C. Vance alleges that these parties engaged in malicious prosecution and abuse of process to evict him from his property in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. According to the complaint, this legal battle began when Vance filed an action on September 7, 2022, accusing the defendants of civil rights violations stemming from their landlord-tenant relationship. The lawsuit has been complicated by various allegations of misconduct during litigation.
Vance’s complaint outlines multiple accusations against the defendants. He asserts that they attempted to deprive him of his property rights and freedom of speech through false charges and sham legal proceedings. One such instance involved a domestic violence complaint filed against him by an agent of Franklin Lakes Affordable Housing LLC. This complaint was allegedly used as leverage in eviction proceedings and was later dismissed without merit. Vance argues that these actions were part of a broader conspiracy to violate his substantive due process and equal protection rights under both federal law (42 USC sec 1983) and New Jersey state law (NJLAD).
The plaintiff seeks damages for emotional distress caused by what he describes as extreme and outrageous conduct by the defendants. He is requesting punitive damages, injunctive relief to prevent further harm, attorney fees, and costs associated with the suit. Vance also demands accountability for those who conspired or aided in these alleged discriminatory acts.
Representing Bradford Vance is attorney Anthony J. Brady Jr., while notable figures among the defendants include lawyers Brian McFadden and Joshua Filzer from Hoagland Longo Moran Dunst & Doukas LLP; Bruce Gudin from Ehrlich Petriello Gudin Plaza & Reed P.C.; along with Louis Friedman as principal defendant representing Franklin Lakes Affordable Housing LLC. The case is being heard under Case ID 2:26-cv-01650.
Source: 226cv01650_Vance_v_Franklin_Lakes_Affordable_Housing_Complaint_District_New_Jersey.pdf