Oklahoma Judge Accuses County Sheriff Of Improper Conduct In Conducting Foreclosure Sales

In Pawnee County, Oklahoma, The Oklahoman reports:

• Even considering the subjective nature of real estate values, this one seemed fishy. At least to one local judge. Appraisers chosen by Pawnee County Sheriff Roger Price placed a $15,500 value(1) on a 2,814-square-foot house as part of a foreclosure action. That appraisal helped the sheriff and his son acquire the property for $97,000 — far less than the value set by the county assessor — in an April sheriff's sale. State law prohibits a sheriff from directly or indirectly buying property at a foreclosure sale.

• Associate District Judge Matthew Henry was infuriated by the appraisal and sale. In a harshly worded June 25 order, Henry implied that Price committed fraud and should be removed from office. "The malfeasance of Sheriff Price has caused real and substantial injury” to the mortgage company, Henry wrote.(2)

For more, see Judge urging Pawnee sheriff's ouster.

(1) According to the story: (a) the appraisers chosen by Sheriff Price for the Pawnee County sale were E.L. Chronic, Wilma Chronic and Sandra Robinson; (b) all three listed the same mailing address; (c) Judge Henry said the Chronics are husband and wife, and Robinson is their daughter; (d) state law requires three independent appraisals - a family of appraisers doesn't meet that requirement, the judge said.

(2) According to the story, the judge vacated the sale, set aside the $15,500 appraisal and ordered the sheriff to obtain a new appraisal. With a high bid of $105,124.64, the mortgage company acquired the home at a July 14 sheriff's sale.