The U.S. Marshals Service on Friday canceled an auction of assets
forfeited by convicted former U.S. Representative Jesse Jackson Jr
concerned that one item - a guitar signed by Michael Jackson and Eddie
Van Halen - might be faked.
The Marshals Service said in a statement it had received "legitimate
concerns about the authenticity of the guitar" owned by the former
Illinois congressman.
Jackson, the son of civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr,
was sentenced last month to 2-1/2 years in prison for misuse of campaign
funds. Proceeds from the auction were to go toward paying down a
$750,000 settlement.
"Because new information has come to light, we are taking additional
steps to review all the items," Kim Beal, acting assistant director for
the Asset Forfeiture Division of the Marshals Service, said in the
statement.
A decision will be made on whether to post any assets for auction, the agency said.
The Marshals Service had said the guitar would have a starting bid of
$525. Other items up for auction consisted of pictures and posters
signed by Michael Jackson and kung fu star Bruce Lee, two fur coats and
two fur capes.
Jackson, a Democrat, had used the campaign funds for personal
purchases, such as kitchen appliances, clothing, collector's items,
food, travel and health club dues, according to the charges against him.
His wife, Sandi, a former Chicago City Council member, was sentenced
to a year in prison for filing false joint income tax returns that
understated the couple's earnings.
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