News 12 First at Five, January 9, 2008

AIKEN, S.C. -- A little more than a year after James Brown died, you could soon have a chance to own some of his possessions. The details coming out this morning in the latest chapter of the James Brown hearing. The day in court was short with no one taking the stand for testimony. But we did find out just about everything inside James Brown's Beech Island home could very soon go to the highest bidder.

Those possessions may be leaving the Godfather of Soul's home soon and landing on the auction block. The two trustees appointed by Judge Jack Early in court Wednesday, telling everyone their plans to enter into a contract with Christie's - an auction house - to get money to help with issues in the estate, including overdue taxes. Brown's adult children and Tomi Rae can make a list of items they want to save. The trustees - Adele Pope and Robert Buchanan - say they would honor all reasonable requests.

Other big news on Wednesday in court, everything that didn't happen and was pushed off by the Judge.

"Particularly after all the accusations that were made by Mr. Dallas and Mr. Bradley against the Judge. He's being very careful," says attorney Louis Levenson.

He's the attorney for 5 of Brown's children and he understands why everything was put off.

"It's unfair for Mr. Dallas and Mr. Bradley to change course mid-stream and expect everything to stop," says Levenson.

Another issue is something which could be, "potentially explosive and potentially crucial," says Levenson.

He's talking about the motion to challenge the James Brown will. No testimony heard today, but soon. Likely to address whether some documents were possibly changed or altered after Brown's death.

"And documents that were discovered on Christmas Eve 2007 that may relate to alleged wills Mr. Brown signed in 1999," says Levenson.

Buddy Dallas, David Cannon, Alfred Bradley and Bill Hammond are at least 4 people to take the stand at the next hearing, which is scheduled for February 7th.

Also today, David Bell who represents Forlando Brown - a grandchild of James Brown - filing a motion today to disqualify Louis Levenson. The reason is -- Bell says Levenson used to represent Forlando Brown.