PLSSSS HELP ME

A homestead patent was issued to a married couple (Lino and Manuela) on Sept. 23, 1952. Because of a crime Lino had committed and for which he was found guilty, the homestead was SOLD at a PUBLIC AUCTION to satisfy Lino's civil liability. Note that the sale was made less than four years after the acquisition by the couple of the land. Now then, under Sec. 118 of the Public Land Law, such homestead generally cannot be sold , cannot be encumbered and cannot be held liable for the satisfaction of any debt CONTRACTED prior to the expiration of the period of five years from and after the date of the issuance of the patent or grant. IS THE SALE VALID?