The Spoils of the Madoff Scam to Be Sold at November Auction

Ruth's emerald ring, Bernie's velveteen slippers and his desk are on the block.

ByABC News
March 24, 2010, 6:19 PM

Oct. 20, 2010 — -- The desk that authorities believe Bernard Madoff used to run his multi-billion dollar scam will be sold at auction next month along with his velveteen, monogrammed slippers and one of Ruth's diamond rings.

The proceeds will go to the victims of Madoff's monumental Ponzi scheme, according to the United States Marshal Service, which has been handling the sale of the spoils of Madoff's criminal enterprise.

"These pieces are the last of what once occupied the homes and lives of Bernard and Ruth's residences in New York city and Montauk, New York," said Joseph R. Guccione, the U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of New York.

The nine-drawer desk, made of yew wood, was located in the Manhattan penthouse apartment where authorities say Madoff most likely ran his scheme, safely away from prying eyes in his nearby office.

U.S. Marshal described the ring as a "ladies diamond engagement ring consisting of one emerald cut diamond weighing 10.54 carats."

The Marshals Service distributed pictures today of some of the items to stir interest in the sale, set for November 13.

Among the most interesting pieces is the Steinway grand piano that graced the Madoff's well-decorated penthouse and Bernie's size 8 ½ velveteen slippers with red quilt lining, monogrammed in gold threat with the initials BLM.

Madoff is currently serving a 150-year sentence at a federal prison in North Carolina as prosecutors reportedly prepare another round of indictments that authorities say could include other associates and family members.

His wife Ruth has moved to Boca Raton, Florida where she lives in a gated community. The government allowed her to keep $2.5 million dollars, although she faces the prospect of civil suits from victims seeking restitution.

More than 400 items including other jewelry and antiques will be included in the auction, set for November 13, the US Marshals said.

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Madoff is currently serving a 150-year sentence at a federal prison in North Carolina as prosecutors reportedly prepare another round of indictments that authorities say could include other associates and family members.

His wife Ruth has moved to Boca Raton, Florida where she lives in a gated community. The government allowed her to keep $2.5 million dollars, although she faces the prospect of civil suits from victims seeking restitution.

More than 400 items including other jewelry and antiques will be included in the auction, set for November 13, the US Marshals said.

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