by ABC7 reporters Jason Knowles and Ben Bradley
September 17, 2013 (CHICAGO) (WLS) — Fur-lined coats and capes and Michael Jackson memorabilia could be yours for the right price as an auction on lavish items purchased by former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. gets under way Tuesday.
Click here for the auction website
Jackson pled guilty to using campaign funds to pay for things ranging from home improvements to air travel, cigars to celebrity memorabilia, a fedora, and other items, which got him convicted and sentenced to prison time.
The U.S. Marshal’s Service had planned to auction 13 items, but that number dropped to 12 after authorities heard from Eddie Van Halen. The Marshal’s Service is looking into whether, in one of those purchases, the former congressman was duped.
A little more than two weeks ago: The ABC 7 I-Team spotted Jesse Jackson, Junior relaxing poolside at a posh Beverly Hills hotel. At the same time, the government was preparing to auction some of his ill-gotten gains.
“It’s just a matter of who wants that item and how much they want it,” said Jason Wojdylo, U.S. Marshals Service.
Among the auction items is a women’s red fur-lined cape. Jackson paid $1,500 for it. The bidding begins at $215.
There are more furs, some Bruce Lee movie memorabilia and some signed Michael Jackson posters.
But on Monday, the Marshals Service has dropped the most expensive item from its auction, an autographed guitar. Jackson paid $4,000 for it, but the signature may be a fake.
READ MORE: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local/chicago_news&id=9251242
Source: ABC / MJ-Upbeat.com
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