ROUND ROCK, Texas — Beginning Friday, the U.S. Marshals Office will host a live auction in Round Rock featuring hundreds of items seized from high profile federal court cases over the years.
It's part of their forfeiture asset program, in which proceeds generated from the auctions go toward operating the program, various law enforcement efforts, and to compensate victims of fraud.
There will be more than 300 lots for sale from cases nationwide featuring fine jewelry, gold and silver coins and bullion, rare books and collectible stock certificates registered in the name of Bernie Madoff.
Before these items head to auction, they're placed in the trusted hands of Gaston and Sheehan Auctioneers in Pflugerville, which has been working with the U.S. Marshals office on the program for several years.
"Even though we're located here in Pflugerville, Texas we serve all the districts in the United States for the Marshals service so that's how we fell into this role," said Jason Rzepniewski, an auctioneer with Gaston & Sheehan Auctioneers. "These are assets that have been seized or confiscated all over the United States by agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ATF -- all that fall under the Department of Justice branch and the Marshals are the custodians of these assets."
Rzepniewski explained that as eclectic as Austin may be, there are several pieces exclusive to the auction that people won't be able to find anywhere else in the area.
"You always think you've seen it all," he said. "Then, something totally new pops up and you're like, 'Wow I've never realized how high the bar for luxury could go' or how different people's taste could be when it comes to jewelry."
Also featured in the auction are a first edition Great Gatsby book and a grand piano.
The auction will take place at the Austin Marriott North In Round Rock located at 2600 La Frontera Blvd. beginning at 2 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday. The online auction can be accessed here.
Public previews of auction items are scheduled for Friday beginning at 10 a.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m.
Bidders are required to pay a $500 cash deposit.