Bernard Madoff Receives Maximum Possible Sentence of 150 Years

Many of the folks who were swindled out of their savings by con artist Bernie Madoff wished the "financier" much ill will as the date of his sentencing approached. Among those speaking on the subject, many voiced a desire for him to be placed in jail for the rest of his life and under the most uncomfortable circumstances possible. There’s no word on whether Madoff will enjoy a "country club" existence while in prison, but what is now known is that his stay will be for the rest of his life. A federal judge rejected Madoff’s plea for leniency yesterday and sentenced the 71-year-old to a sentence of 150 years. He described Madoff’s scheming as "extraordinarily evil" in the process.

U.S. District Judge Denny Chin noted the obscene nature of Madoff’s crimes in explaing the 150 year sentence, one that is typically reserved for violent criminals and terrorists. Said Chine, "Here, the message must be sent that Mr. Madoff’s crimes were extraordinarily evil and that this kind of irresponsible manipulation of the system is not merely a bloodless financial crime that takes place just on paper, but it is instead one that takes a staggering human toll."

In describing letters he had received related to Madoff, Chin noted that not a single letter amongst over 100 that he received noted a single good deed by Madoff. In fact, none of the letters spoke of Madoff in anything but the most condemning terms. Said Chin, "The absence of support is telling." Given a chance to speak their minds, several of Madoff’s victims’ recounting of their stories seemed to have no effect of Madoff, who sat by idly and without much interest as witnesses angrily condemned him. Said Tom Fitzmaurice, "He stole from the rich. He stole from the poor. He stole from the in between. He had no values. He cheated his victims out of their money so he and his wife, Ruth, could live a life of luxury beyond belief."