CHESTER COUNTY, Pa. -- A local family said that, after more than a year, they have gotten the justice they were seeking.

The situation began last year after a landlord in Chester County told them they couldn't rent a house because they are black. The family contacted Harry Hairston and the NBC 10 Investigators.

Late last week, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission found the landlord guilty of housing discrimination based on race.

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Prior Videos:
Landlord Accused Of Discrimination Has Day In Court | Woman Files Discrimination Complaint

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Glenda Brown first contacted NBC 10 in May 2007. She said she was distraught and humiliated after getting a disturbing phone message from a potential landlord.

The message said: "Mrs. Brown, this is Emanuel calling. We talked it over with the neighbors there -- my other tenants right there in the house right beside you -- and I'm sorry to tell you this, but they do not want a colored family living next door. They are very choosing. They said they would move and it would cost me lots to go looking for new people to move in, so I'm sorry."

But now it's Emanuel Hertzler's phone message that will be costing him after the commission recently rendered its decision.

The members' findings were that the Browns were discriminated against, and the commission has ordered Hertzler to pay more than $5,000 in damages.

The commission said Hertzler's actions were motivated by a neighborhood, who did not want the black family moving into the Chester County home.

When Hairston went by Hertzler's house last year, his wife said, "We apologize. It wasn't to offend her in any way."

"How did you think she would take it?" Hairston asked her.

"Well, we didn't think she would be bothered by it," she replied.

The commission's findings were determined following a hearing in West Chester in January.

The Browns could not meet with NBC 10 in person Monday. But Glenda Brown told Hairston over the phone that she was happy about the decision, and she said her victory sends a message to others that the system works.

The Hertzlers could not be reached for comment.