From The Associated Press, 3/21/06:
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/mld/sanluisobispo/news/14152825.htm
Auction block is end of the line for corrupt congressman's loot
MICHAEL R. BLOOD
Associated Press
RANCHO DOMINGUEZ, Calif. -
Silver-plated candelabras.
A cedar-lined lingerie cabinet.
Persian rugs.
An oak hutch carved with lions' heads, tree limbs and acorns.
The ill-gotten spoils from former Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham's
bribery scheme - a household of valuable antiques, rugs and home
furnishings - will be auctioned by the government Thursday.
The public on Tuesday was given a preview of the loot, which was laid
out in orderly rows in a warehouse near Los Angeles.
The items were purchased for Cunningham - who is serving a prison term
for taking $2.4 million in bribes - by defense contractors in exchange
for his influence in the award of government contracts.
"Lavish," said Jim Sudomir, a retiree from Fallbrook, summing up
Cunningham's lifestyle as he looked over the display.
"If he was going to be a crook he should have been a smarter one. He
thought he was above all that. ... Look where he's at now. He's in
jail."
The inventory reveals that the contractors spared little expense to
appease Cunningham's collector's tastes.
There is a leather sofa festooned with brass tacks.
A deeply grained, solid cherry sleigh bed.
Nearly a dozen rugs, splayed over wooden skids.
Marble-topped nightstands, armoires and sideboards, many featuring
stained glass, brass fittings and intricate carvings.
Together, they provide a peek into the lifestyle of a corrupt,
privileged congressman.
"There's a real mix of different styles - art deco, French Provincial,
American pioneer," said Britney Sheehan, who works for the company
that will auction the goods.
Sheehan said she could not disclose the estimate of what the 34 lots
might fetch, since officials don't want to influence potential
bidders.
Some of the rugs have previously been valued at as much as $40,000.
Cunningham's property is among hundreds of seized items that will be
sold, ranging from luxury cars to computer equipment.
Anyone can make an offer on his items - except Cunningham.
Cunningham's prison term, eight years and four months, was described
by attorneys for both sides as the longest prison sentence ever given
to a member of Congress.
The corruption scheme is unmatched in the annals of Congress.
In addition to his prison sentence, Cunningham was ordered to pay $1.8
million in restitution for back taxes and forfeit an additional $1.85
million for cash bribes he received, plus the proceeds from the sale
of his mansion in Rancho Santa Fe, one of America's wealthiest
communities.
The furnishes came from the home.
Some of the property is already gone.
Cunningham sold a Rolls-Royce - one of the bribes - before he was
indicted.
He also transferred ownership of a yacht, another illegal gift from
contractors.
Cunningham put his public office up for auction, and Thursday the
ill-gained household goes to the highest bidder.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Halpern called the auction an
"appropriate part of the legal process."
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Yeah, but how many corrupt Republicans are getting with it.
Harry
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