Big Auction Here in SLC Options

[Eric_Shea]

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=9057978

Wow... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

[Mikey914]

I wrote the author of the article and recieved the following:
From: Keith McCord (kmccord@ksl.com)
Sent: Sat 12/19/09 8:47 AM
To: Mark Whitesell (whitesell@hotmail.com)

You're right Mark.
Usually these auctions take place post-trial.
But in this case, the US Marshal told me that they went to the judge an explained that the cost of storing all the vehicles in the warehouse was costing $20,000/month. And they'be been storing them for about 9 months or so...and, not knowing how long it would take to get trial over with, they decided to save you and me--the taxpayers-- a few bucks.
Also, selling everything now, helps the judge with determining restitution when it gets to that point, because he has a hard number to work with.
Still a sad case.
The auctioneer tells me that he got dozens of calls and emails following the story...several from people who saw their (former) cars in the video. And they want to come and bid on them to get them back! Apparently, the defendant is alledged to have given cars to investors as a form of payment when he couldn't give them cash.

Thanks for watching.
I think we'll probably do a story when the open houses take place, and a follow-up when they sell them all.

kmc



Keith McCord
KSL-TV (NBC)
Anchor/Reporter
55 North 300 West
Salt Lake City, Utah 84180
801-575-5500 Work
801-560-2221 Cell

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From: Mark Whitesell [whitesell@hotmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, December 19, 2009 1:33 AM
To: Keith McCord
Subject: The Car collector article you did.


I read the article, it truely is interesting. I did find one thing that really disturbed me about the whole thing. The timing of the auction. The trial is set for July 27th, the auction is in January. This seems to be in complete disreguard for due process. The larger issue here is how can the US government sell items that have been seized prior to trial? The guy probably is guilty, but the complete disreguard for due process is scarry.

What would happen if he was truely innocent, and was found innocent?

I would appreciate any links to any subsequent articles you may do on this issue.

SIncerely,

Mark Whitesell


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