Lawyer Asks For Madoff To Be Released

Earlier today, Bernard Madoff's lawyer asked an appeals court to release the admitted Ponzi schemer, while federal prosecutors argued that he should stay behind bars. One judge pointed out that Madoff could have fled with "$100 million and settled in some tropical republic, yet he didn't do that," instead of admitting his fraud, adding, "He was a respected citizen who could travel as he liked. Why isn't that really a powerful argument against your position?" To which Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Litt said, "It's an argument, not a powerful one"; Litt also said that house arrest was unacceptable since guards could be bribed or fall asleep. The judges didn't immediately issue a ruling; Madoff did not appear in court.

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By Jen Chung in News on March 19, 2009 2:45 PM

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kade3000

Why in the hell is this even being considered. He has pled GUILTY...that means he is a criminal. Can u imagine a murderer who pleads guilty, and then his lawyers argue he should be released until his sentencing. His lawyers are morons he should have pled not guilty if he wanted to possibly stay out. But as it stands now, he has admitted guilt. Case close except the sentencing.

NannyState

Bernie doesn't like it in jail so I think he should be let out. But first, let's see if he likes a shallow grave better.

reacenyc

First...I am sick of hearing about this scum...he is in prison..leave him there and let him rot and let's move on...

Second...to what purpose does it serve to let an admitted felon out of prison for 3 months? He did the crime, he plead guilty in a court of his peers, and IS going to prison no matter what...he already has a head start...lets just mark these 3 months prior to sentencing as time served of the 150 years he is going to get.

Third....He is a greater flight risk than ever before. He has had just a taste of what the rest of his miserable life is going to be like, and from what is reported, is not fond of it. There is plenty of incentive to flee knowing what your future holds and that you will DIE in prison. Also the likely hood of offing himself is great. It would be much more dignified to order a last meal of take away from Le Cirque washed down with a handful of Vicodin, and lay down in your 1000 count Pratesi sheets, then while away your days in an orange jumper waiting for one of your two showers a week.

Lastly.....who the Hell is paying for all this? His attorney must be out of this world expensive. The private security guards, the freaking coop maintenance, and the list goes on...this man owes at least 30 billion in restitution and not one dime of money that could go to his victims should be spent on making his life easier. Supposedly Ruthie is picking up the bill for all of this...but where did she get all this cash? Its not from the sale of a not well reviewed Kosher cookbook. These people are living WELL of ill gotten gains and its time it was put to a stop. Do the Crime....Do the Time....