Scam Artist’s Sports Memorabilia Collection Headed to State Auction Block
The Utah Attorney General's office is preparing to take on the role of a high end sports memorabilia auctioneer after confiscating a large collection from a convicted scam artist. The sports memorabilia being sold through the auction, which is scheduled to take place Thursday, July 9, was surrendered to the state by 41-year-old convicted scam artist Darin Kracl. Kracl was convicted of scamming investors out of more then 6.7 million dollars.
In addition to receiving a 90 day jail sentence, Kracl has been ordered to pay restitution to his former investors. Thus, all of the money generated from the sale of his sports memorabilia will go directly to the people who were defrauded by him.
The auction will feature a Babe Ruth autographed baseball, a Hank Aaron autographed baseball, a Team USA Olympic basketball jersey signed by Michael Jordan, and a slew of autographed baseball bats signed by MLB Stars such as Pete Rose, Sammy Sosa, Bo Jackson and Cal Ripken Jr. Football memorabilia collectors will also have a compelling reason to attend the auction, namely a football helmet signed by the entire 2007 Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts Team.
"This could be a win-win," explained Paul Murphy, a representative from the Utah Attorney General's Office. "Someone could own a piece of sports history and at the same time bring justice to victims."
Officials hope to generate at least $100,000 from the auction. Although this is only a small percentage of what Kracl owes, it will at least be a start.
To find out more about the auction, visit the Utah Attorney General's Official Website.
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