Bernie Madoff, who was sentenced to 150 years in federal prison for running the largest Ponzi scheme in history, is seeking an early release from prison, citing his deteriorating health.
Madoff, 81, said he has less than 18 months to live because of chronic kidney failure that has progressed to “end-stage renal disease,” according to a court filing on Wednesday.
“Madoff does not dispute the severity of his crimes, nor does he seek to minimize the suffering of his victims,” his lawyer, Brandon Sample, wrote in the filing. “Madoff humbly asks this court for a modicum of compassion.”
The New York financier, who uses a wheelchair and back brace, was admitted to palliative care in July. He also has cardiovascular disease, hypertension, back pain, and insomnia, the filing said.
Bureau of Prisons medical records included in the filing noted that doctors determined in September that Madoff had less than a year and a half to live. Prisoners who are given a diagnosis of an incurable illness that is expected to kill them in 18 months or less are eligible for early release under federal guidelines.
Madoff filed a petition for early release in September, which was denied by the Bureau of Prisons.
“Mr. Madoff was accountable of a loss to investors of over $13 billion,” Ken Hyle, the bureau’s general counsel, wrote in December. “Accordingly, in light of the nature and circumstances of his offense, his release at this time would minimize the severity of his offense.”
The filing Wednesday appealed that decision.
Madoff has been imprisoned in Butner, North Carolina, since 2009, after he pleaded guilty to financial crimes, theft, perjury, and money laundering. He was accused of stealing billions of dollars from his clients, many of whom lost their life savings in the Ponzi scheme.
Madoff told the Washington Post in an interview published Wednesday that he had “made a terrible mistake.”
“I’m terminally ill,” he said. “There’s no cure for my type of disease. So, you know, I’ve served. I’ve served 11 years already, and, quite frankly, I’ve suffered through it.”
