Judge finds ‘equity theft’ law unconstitutional, pressuring change [Video]

SACCHETTI WCVB NEWS CENTER, FIVE. HOMES SOLD PROFIT POCKETED BY CITIES AND TOWNS, EVEN PRIVATE COMPANIES. IT’S KNOWN AS EQUITY THEFT. AND NOW A JUDGE HERE IN MASSACHUSETTS IS MAKING IT CLEAR IT NEEDS TO STOP. FIVE INVESTIGATES KAREN ANDERSON HAS BEEN WORKING TO EXPOSE THE IMPACT OF THIS PRACTICE SINCE LAST SUMMER. KAREN JOINS US RIGHT NOW. THIS IS A MAJOR DEVELOPMENT. KAREN AND ED MARIA. IT’S BEEN NEARLY A YEAR SINCE THE U.S. SUPREME COURT RULED THAT EQUITY THEFT IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL. AND NOW THIS ORDER FROM A JUDGE IN SPRINGFIELD IS BRINGING THAT BAN HOME. I WAS ECSTATIC, A MAJOR VICTORY FOR THIS LEGAL TEAM WHO HAVE BEEN FIGHTING FOR ELDERLY AND LOW INCOME RESIDENTS OF MASSACHUSETTS WHO LOST THEIR HOMES AFTER FALLING BEHIND ON THEIR TAXES. CITIES AND TOWNS WOULD FORECLOSE ON THE PROPERTIES, SELL THEM AND KEEP THE PROFITS WELL BEYOND THE TAXES OWED. MUNICIPALITIES ARE …