Auction Of Jesse Jackson Jr's Collectible Crap Stopped Over Authenticity Issues

By Chuck Sudo in News on Sep 20, 2013 4:00PM

Framed and matted "Michael Jackson" autographed record album titled "Blood on the Dance Floor"; also 8.5 x 11 color photo unsigned; red & black matte w/ "Michael Jackson" & metal plate; black painted wood frame, 30.1" tall x 32.3" wide; receipt & COA by Antiquities International (The Forum Shops at Ceasars Palace) dated 8-16-2009, Jesse Jackson Jr purchaser; Item #14025. Note: Damage present to frame, glass intact. (Photo via Gaston & Sheehan Auctioneers)

United States Marshals halted an auction of personal items former congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. bought with campaign money after questions about the authenticity of some of the items were raised.

Many of the items up for bid were Michael Jackson memorabilia Jackson could have won with a high Skeeball score at a street festival. One item, a guitar supposedly signed by the King of Pop and guitarist Eddie Van Halen, was removed before the auction launched Tuesday because the autographs couldn’t be authenticated. So the U.S. Marshals Service decided to cancel the auction until the authenticity of everything could be verified. A statement by Kim Beal, acting assistant director for the Asset Forfeiture Division of the U.S. Marshals Service, read:

“Because new information has come to light, we are taking additional steps to review all the items. It is our practice to be diligent about all matters relating to the management and sale of assets.”

The auction drew 400 bids on the lot before being halted, with bidding for a poster of Michael Jackson commemorating the 25th anniversary of the release of his album Thriller at $3,500, proving the former congressman isn’t the only person willing to waste money on crap.

Proceeds from the auction will go to pay down the $750,000 in campaign funds Jesse Jackson Jr. spent for personal use.