Baltimore City Vehicle Seizure In Lead Paint Case

BALTIMORE (AP) -- The Baltimore City Sheriff has begun the process of seizing trucks, computers and other equipment owned by the city's housing authority to pay an outstanding lead paint poisoning judgment.

Two members of the sheriff's office went through the fleet Wednesday, placing stickers on the vehicles saying a levy has been placed on them. City officials say the department can't afford to pay nearly $12 million in judgments, and many department assets are owned by the federal government. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake promised state lawmakers earlier this year that she would ensure the housing authority and federal officials come up with a plan.

Attorney Evan Goldman, who is working with plaintiffs awarded $2.5 million, says vehicles and other equipment have been found that are not owned by the federal government.

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