Auctioneer says law enforcement knew beforehand about scheme in Simpson case

Several law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, knew beforehand that O.J. Simpson was going to take back merchandise from memorabilia dealers in Las Vegas, said the auctioneer at the center of the case.

Thomas Riccio testified this morning that he told California police and the FBI that memorabilia dealer Alfred Beardsley was trying to sell collectibles that were stolen from Simpson’s trophy room.

Riccio said he even asked the FBI to come along with him and Simpson when they attempted to recover the property from the memorabilia dealers. California police and the FBI, however, weren’t interested in getting involved, he said.

Their lack of interested was frustrating because Riccio believed that the merchandise, which included some of Simpson’s family photos, was stolen. Riccio was previously convicted of dealing in stolen goods.

“This guy (Beardsley) admitted he had stolen property and no one cares,” he said.

Riccio testified that he went to law enforcement before the incident because he didn’t want to get into any trouble.

“I didn’t need any headaches,” he said.

Simpson, 61, and his co-defendant Clarence Stewart, 54, are facing armed robbery and kidnapping charges. Authorities said Simpson and several other men robbed Beardsley and memorabilia dealer Bruce Fromong of more than $80,000 worth of sports memorabilia at a Palace Station hotel room in September 2007.

Simpson’s attorneys claim that the former Heisman Trophy winner was only trying to recover goods taken from him. Riccho set up the meeting at Palace Station between Simpson and the memorabilia dealers.

He isn’t facing any charges in connection with the Palace Station incident.

Before the trial started, District Judge Jackie Glass, who is presiding over the trial, ruled that Riccio’s prior criminal history can’t be brought up during testimony.

Riccio has several felony convictions, including dealing in stolen property, arson and escaping prison dating back at least 10 years. Riccio has spent a total of eight years in prison.