Saying He is Dying, Bernie Madoff Seeks Early Release From Prison

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Last Updated: 6:39pm
FILE - Bernie Madoff leaving U.S. District Court in Manhattan after a bail hearing in New York, Monday, Jan. 5, 2009. (AP)

NEW YORK (AP) — Epic Ponzi schemer Bernard Madoff asked a federal judge Wednesday to grant him a “compassionate release” from his 150-year prison sentence, saying he has terminal kidney failure and less than 18 months to live.

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Madoff’s attorney filed court papers saying the 81-year-old has end-stage kidney disease and other “chronic, serious medical conditions,” including hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

“There’s no cure for my type of disease,” Madoff told The Washington Post in a phone interview, expressing remorse for orchestrating the largest Ponzi scheme in history.

After spending more than a decade behind bars, Madoff said his dying wish is to salvage his relationships with his grandchildren.

“I’ve served 11 years already,” he said, “and, quite frankly, I’ve suffered through it.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan declined to comment. Prosecutors are expected to file a motion in response to the request in the coming days.

Madoff pleaded guilty in 2009 to 11 federal counts in a fraudulent investment scheme involving billions of dollars, admitting he swindled thousands of clients over decades. The rich and famous were among his victims, as well as people of lesser means who had invested with him unknowingly through feeder funds.

The new court filings say Madoff was admitted in July to the palliative care unit of the federal prison in Butner, North Carolina.

“Madoff’s health has and will continue to deteriorate, and he will require more assistance physically and medically leading up to his death,” attorney Brandon Sample wrote.

A so-called compassionate release would allow Madoff to “receive end-of-life care in the community, which would be more efficient, timely, and less burdensome” on the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, Sample wrote.

The Bureau of Prisons denied Madoff’s request for release in December, according to court papers, saying it would “minimize the severity of his offense.”


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17 Comments
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ANON21
ANON21
4 years ago

When he was sentenced to 150 yrs the court obviously knew he would die in prison. So I don’t see what this lawyer is even thinking

Liam K. Nuj
Liam K. Nuj
4 years ago

Let him out and it will save the government from paying for his undoubtedly mounting medical expenses.

Moshe
Moshe
4 years ago

If he pays back every penny to his victims then maybe there should be room for compassion otherwise let him rot

elyeh
elyeh
4 years ago

An opportunity to do tshuvah !

shaindy NMN steinberg
shaindy NMN steinberg
4 years ago

This is a King Solomon decision…He destroyed the lives of many people. Most- not all people got there money back..What should the punishment be for those people who did not recover from his theft?? Should we bend to Rachmonis because he is dying?? Or, should we be content to carry on a fair punishment for his crimes?
He destroyed his own family, he destroyed the lives of people who trusted him, and now he himself is being destroyed…..Where is King Solomon when you need him?

Charles Ponzi
Charles Ponzi
4 years ago

The arrogant greedy people who happily gave him their money, expecting to consistently get an %800 return, deserved to lose every penny they gave him. It is no different than blowing your money in a casino. I have absolutely no “compassion” for the a– h—s who lost their money giving it to Madoff. As they say with the stock market, “only invest what you can afford to lose”. Bernie should be let out.

Chaim
Chaim
4 years ago

Only the Eibister allows 2nd chances (and many more) and teshuva. Unfortunately, the Gov (And some comments here) doesn’t always have Rachmunes on others.

Chaim
Chaim
4 years ago

And also let’s not forget, he saved the gov many millions it would’ve costed them to have a trial/appeals etc etc, in stead he owned up and pled guilty.
In most cases the defendant gets some sort of jail time discount when they plead guilty instead of going to trial.

yossie
yossie
4 years ago

charles ponzi
your name says it all
i wouldnt invest a penny with you with your attitude
you are a ganav talking like that
also they did not get 800% returns
they got double digit consistent returns
just because he had charisma and was a good bs
doesnt mean that they had to suffer losses
and no he should not be let out