Honus Wagner Card Case Plea Deal Rejected Again by U.S. Judge

[Exhibitman]

I read the brief the prosecution filed in support of its sentencing recommendation. For anyone interested, here it is:

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/ite...stro-plea-deal

The brief notes that in many instances Mastro 'won' the lot and returned it to inventory of either Mastro Auctions or himself [I assume for the items he owned personally]. What was not clear to me is how those results were analyzed. To me, as a reporter of auction outcomes in my boxing price guide, I see a completely fake sale as more damaging to the hobby as a whole than shilling up a real bidder since it sets a fake price point for an item.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

I read the brief the prosecution filed in support of its sentencing recommendation. For anyone interested, here it is:

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/ite...stro-plea-deal

The brief notes that in many instances Mastro 'won' the lot and returned it to inventory of either Mastro Auctions or himself [I assume for the items he owned personally]. What was not clear to me is how those results were analyzed. To me, as a reporter of auction outcomes in my boxing price guide, I see a completely fake sale as more damaging to the hobby as a whole than shilling up a real bidder since it sets a fake price point for an item.

It seems as though The document says I, as a bidder, should have known there was shill bidding and fraud going on so it's partially my fault. What a bunch of BULLSH!@. How about I reach into their pockets and just take money from them.....I consider that to be stealing.

[drc]

I've often said eBay and other auction realized prices are't entirely reliable for valuation purposes in part because you can't be sure there was an actual sale. Sometimes the winner doesn't pay, sometimes there is no winner. Then there is shilled auctions.

Auction results should always be taken with a grain of salt and a skeptical eye. It boggles my mind that there are collectors who accept them at face value.

[whitehse]

The Chicago Tribune did a front page blurb on their internet site regarding the Mastro issue:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/l...,4379827.story

I didnt know there was an issue with Elvis' hair as well!! Who would have thought that would be an issue?

[shelly]

I can tell you one thing. If it goes to trial and they find him guilty. He will be going away for a very long time.

[calvindog]

Bill Mastro isn't going to trial. Rare is the case when on the very first day of a case a defendant's lawyer screams to any news outlet who will listen to him that his client "is cooperating with the government."

Bill is just going to have to eat more jail time. 30 months is too little. I'm sure they'll next try for perhaps 42 months. If that fails -- 54 months. If that fails -- 60 months.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by calvindog

Bill Mastro isn't going to trial. Rare is the case when on the very first day of a case a defendant's lawyer screams to any news outlet who will listen to him that his client "is cooperating with the government."

Bill is just going to have to eat more jail time. 30 months is too little. I'm sure they'll next try for perhaps 42 months. If that fails -- 54 months. If that fails -- 60 months.

And cooperation (testifying against Doug), will we see that? Isn't that the judge's issue?

[HRBAKER]

Maybe he will get a little trimmed off for good behavior.