Tanning equipment from 11 abandoned Tan & Tone America locations up for auction

Now, abandoned fitness equipment and more than 300 tanning beds are hitting the auction block. It appears the business's owner, Ed Shelby, has moved away. Most of the 400 customers who have filed complaints have been reimbursed, according to the state Attorney General's Office.

Dakil Auctioneers will host the auction starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday via a live webcast. Potential bidders on Monday can inspect the items, which include 275 tanning beds, 300 toning tables, eight spray tan booths, 15 red light rejuvenation beds, 30 stand-up tanning booths, plus soda machines, office equipment and appliances. The items are from 11 former Tan & Tone America locations in Oklahoma City, Bethany, Edmond, Midwest City, Moore and Norman.

Louis Dakil, president of Dakil Auctioneers, said he's received interest from health clubs across the country, as well as individuals looking to purchase a tanning bed for their home. He believes it will be the largest tanning equipment auction ever held in the state.

BancFirst stands to receive the proceeds from Tuesday's auction, he said. The Oklahoma bank is one of several entities that have a documented interest in Tan & Tone America and its parent company ACG, Inc., through Uniform Commercial Code filings.

The company owes more than $11,000 in unpaid unemployment compensation taxes to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission and nearly $67,000 in unpaid sales tax to the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Additionally, Shelby owes more than $215,000 to the Tax Commission related to International Fitness Centers, which went bankrupt in 1987.