Halting a Sale

A last-minute reprieve

Eugene Coon has been a sheriff for twelve years, but for the first time in his career, he has refused to uphold the law. When 43 owner-occupied homes were to be auctioned last week in Alleghe ny County, Pa., because of delinquent mortgage and tax payments, Coon, who runs the monthly auction, stopped the sale. Said the four-term sheriff: "These are good people who have paid into their homes for years and years. I feel I'm on good legal ground in trying to help those who can't help themselves."

As far...

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