Philadelphia courts to take over sheriff’s sales?

Philadelphia’s courts, formally known as the First Judicial District, could be taking over sheriff’s sales.

First Judicial District President Judge Pamela Dembe says she’s been in conversations with the Sheriff’s office about taking over the sales.  There’s an ongoing investigation into missing money and the outside contractor who was running the sales.  

Dembe believes the court system could transform the process and track money better than the current contractor.  “The idea is to get things computerized so we can follow the money in each event from beginning to end and know what’s happening and then move money where it needs to be moved to quickly and transparently,” she said.

Judge Dembe says with State Supreme Court approval the switch over could be quick.  “We could have an effective system within three weeks we’ve been told,” she said.

The State Supreme Court is evaluating the idea.