Seized Wedding Gowns Being Sold At Discounted Prices

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Hundreds of wedding and evening gowns seized as part of an embezzlement investigation. Now they could be yours.

Tracey Leong explains what led U.S. marshals to this white collar crime.

A local scam artist stole millions from a nonprofit she was working for. This sale will help reimburse the victim.

A $5 million embezzlement investigation leads the feds to more than 2,400 designer gowns.

Ephonia Green stole from her former employer, the Association of American Medical Colleges, a D.C. based nonprofit.

"She used that money to then buy the bridal store that the U.S. marshals ended up seizing," Jason Martinez, U.S. Marshals Service.

Part of Green's conviction, turning over her assets, including the bridal store in Prince George's County.

"Bridal dresses are not actually our forte, but we'll do anything that can be identified to then help restore the victims of the crime," said Martinez.

The feds not only helping out the victim in this crime, they're also helping out brides in our area.

While Tracey didn't say yes to the dress, hundreds of brides have.

"They're all a great price. I think it's wonderful. They've got literally every style, every design, every color you could imagine," said Joi Gaddy, shopping for wedding dress.

Gaddy came with her mom to check out the gowns--some discounted up to 60 percent.

"Definitely can use the money and spend it on something else," said Gaddy.

"They get a dress that's half the price they can get in the store, and now they're saying, 'Now we can afford the reception,'" said Karren Warrior, General Services Administration.

A perfect marriage of saving money and serving justice.

The feds are hoping to get more than $800,000 from this gown and accessory sale--all will go back to the victim.

For more details, CLICK HERE.

If you go:
Embassy Suites at BWI Airport, 1300 Concourse Drive, Linthicum, Maryland
Nov. 18 through Nov. 20
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday