Ohio judge blocks Wells Fargo foreclosure sales

CLEVELAND (AP) — A judge has frozen sales of foreclosed homes in Cleveland owned by Wells Fargo Bank.

Thursday’s temporary order from Judge Raymond Pianka of the Cleveland Housing Court directs San Francisco-based Wells Fargo & Co. to make sure its properties meet city codes.

A housing advocacy group claims the bank is selling vacant, dilapidated homes at cut-rate prices without doing repairs. The Cleveland Housing Renewal Project Inc. estimates the judge’s order could pertain to more than 180 properties.

Wells Fargo spokesman Kevin Waetke says the company is prepared to defend its practices. Judge Pianka will preside over a hearing next week on whether houses owned by Wells Fargo should be declared public nuisances and be fixed up or demolished before any sale.