Local News

COUNTY CONSIDERS PURSUING CRIMINAL CHARGES IN AUCTION SABOTAGE

(Richmond, IN)--When Wayne County Commissioners meet again Wednesday, they will likely address an incident that happened at property sales last week.  When property taxes are not paid, they’re eventually transferred back to the county which then auctions them off.  Last week, a group from out of the area submitted a winning bid far in excess of the properties’ values but never paid as required.  For example, one dilapidated property on North 17th sold for $3.5 million.  That’s roughly one hundred times it’s actual value.  Commissioners say the sabotaging bids prevented actual bidders from getting the properties.  The county is pursuing criminal charges.