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Baltimore Fights Lead Paint Case Property Seizure

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Baltimore's housing authority is fighting the seizure of its property to pay a $2.6 million lead paint judgment.

In a motion filed in Baltimore Circuit Court on Friday, the authority argues that being forced to pay threatens its stability.

Earlier this month, the sheriff's office began the process of seizing authority equipment to pay the judgment in the case, which is being appealed. The authority requests that a sale be quashed and a lien be placed on the property.

Plaintiffs' attorney David F. Albright Jr. says until the authority posts an appeal bond, they will sell seized items to pay the judgment.

The authority, which faces 185 pending lead paint cases with potential liabilities exceeding $1 billion, says it wants to address these judgments while protecting the people it serves.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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