Traficant under investigation, again

WASHINGTON, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- The General Services Administration on Monday was trying to determine whether former Rep. James Traficant, D-Ohio, bought the desk, chair and credenza that are among the items his family want to sell.

Traficant was expelled from Congress in July following his conviction on racketeering, tax evasion and bribery charges. He was sentenced to eight years in prison.

The Jeff Anglin Auction Facility in Brookfield, Ohio, plans Sunday to auction off a number of items consigned by Traficant's wife and daughter, including antiques, artwork, prints, collectibles, church pews, conference table and chairs, a 100-year-old Victorian parlor suite, china and other items.

Anglin told the Youngstown Vindicator most of the estimated 70 items came from the Traficant farmhouse in Greenford, Ohio, a 76-acre horse farm owned by Traficant's daughter.

A spokesman for the auction house told United Press International Monday that among the items is a walnut desk with a marble top and matching credenza. The Washington newspaper Roll Call reported the items are stamped "House of Representatives" but the auction house spokesman said he could not confirm that.

A spokesman for the House Administration Committee said panel Chairman Robert W. Ney, R-Ohio, had asked the GSA to determine whether Traficant bought the items.

House rules allow members to buy their desk and chair upon leaving office. Prior to 1995 they were allowed to buy other items as well.

The committee spokesman said Traficant, who had served in Congress since 1984, did not buy his desk and chair when he was expelled in July but it was unclear whether he had previously bought the items.

Traficant's sentence, in addition to the prison time, included a $150,000 fine and $1,000 assessment. The jury also concluded he owes the government a $96,000 forfeiture. In addition, first assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Edwards said Traficant owes $19,580 in unpaid taxes.

Anglin told Roll Call the auction has nothing to do with the family needing money.

"They wanted to store their vehicles for the winter. They couldn't get their vehicles in the garage because of this furniture. So they hired me as a local auctioneer to liquidate it. And that's what's going on," Anglin said.