LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) -- The U.S. Department of Justice is suing a La Crosse apartment complex and its manager, alleging racial discrimination.

The lawsuit alleges that the manager of Geneva Terrace Apartments told prospective African-American renters that apartments were not available while telling prospective white renters that apartments were available.

The complaint alleges that in 2009 and 2010, manager Nicolai Quinn told an African-American couple interested in renting an apartment in Geneva Terrace that no apartments were available -- even though the complex had posted a sign advertising vacancies. The couple asked a white friend to contact the complex, and Quinn allegedly told the white friend he had apartments available.

Ron Stadler, a Milwaukee attorney for Geneva Terrace and Quinn, denies the allegations and says the defendants welcome the opportunity to clear their names.

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