Auction of ex-US Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.’s fur capes, celebrity memorabilia begins

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FILE - In this Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013, file photo, former Illinois Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and his wife, Sandra, arrive at federal court in Washington, to learn their fates when a federal judge sentences the one-time power couple for misusing 50,000 in campaign money on everything from a gold-plated Rolex watch and mink capes to vacations and mounted elk heads. Jesse Jackson Jr.\'s posessions _ including fur capes and Michael Jackson memorabilia _ go on the auction block Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013, in an attempt to generate cash to pay his 50,000 fine for fundraising violations. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

CHICAGO – Bidding has begun for a guitar autographed by Michael Jackson, fur capes and about a dozen other items forfeited by prison-bound former congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.

The online auction by the U.S. Marshals Service is its attempt to recoup part of the $750,000 in campaign funds the Chicago Democrat and his wife illegally spent. Both were handed prison terms last month.

A red cashmere cape with fur trim drew the most early action as bidding started at 10 a.m. Tuesday — attracting 16 bids within 15 minutes. The highest bid was $595.

Before the auction started, the highest minimum bid set by the auction house was $350 for a Bruce Lee autograph. But within 15 minutes, not a single person had bid for it.

The auction is taking place at www.txauction.com.

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