SEATTLE - Uncle Sam, having no interest in running a cabaret, has sold one of Seattle's most notorious strip clubs.
Wednesday, the federal government got rid of Rick's on Lake City Way for $2.35 million at an auction. The property was seized last fall by investigators as part of a wide-ranging racketeering investigation of Frank Colacurcio, Seattle's most famous organized-crime figure.
Paul Baxley of the U.S. Marshal's declined to say who bought the club. But called the sale a successful one. He says the government was hoping for $2 million.
The auction took place at the club, with the auctioneer calling out buyers from a stage where strippers used to dance. No cameras were allowed inside auction to protect the bidders' privacy.
Another one of Colacurcio's properties was also auctioned off for $600,000.
