Bernard Madoff Sentenced to Maximum for Ponzi Scheme: 150 Years in Prison

Bernie faces victims and apologizes, says there's no excuse for his fraud.

ByABC News
December 17, 2008, 11:29 AM

June 29, 2009— -- Notorious Ponzi scammer Bernie Madoff has been sentenced to the maximum 150 years in prison for the $65 billion fraud that swindled his many devastated victims.

Judge Denny Chin said the sentence was a symbolic one for a crime that showed "extraordinary evil" and "took a staggering human toll."

Madoff, addressing the court in a dark suit, white shirt and black tie for about six minutes, said that when he started the scam, he thought he'd be able to "work my way out." He said he lives in a tormented state and expressed regret of leaving a "legacy of shame" to his family and grandchildren."

He maintained that he acted alone, saying, "How do you excuse lying to brother and sons? How do you excuse lying and deceiving a wife who stood by you for 50 years and still stands by you? There is no excuse for that and I don't ask for forgiveness."

He then faced his victims in court and said, "I'm sorry."

When the sentence was read, the courtroom broke out in applause.

Click here for complete Blotter coverage of Madoff and his Ponzi scheme.

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Click here to read Ruth Madoff's full statement.

Outside the U.S. District Court in lower Manhattan, there was a steady flow of Madoff victims as they arrived at the courthouse, and many stopped to speak to the media to describe their losses before hearing the fate of the man who swindled them.

Madoff's attorney Ira Sorkin arrived and immediately entered the courthouse without making any statements.

Madoff Victims Speak: 'He 'Shattered My Dreams'

At today's hearing, nine victims of Madoff's Ponzi scheme addressed the courtroom, describing how they had been wiped out both financially and emotionally. They represented the range of Madoff's thousands of victims: working class, middle class, affluent, young and old.

Dominic Ambrosino said the fraud cost him his freedom, forcing him to move from his house to a mobile home and survive on nothing more than a pension. Madoff spending his days in jail, Ambrosino said, are comparable to the imprisonment in his own life.

As to where Madoff serves out his years, victim Carla Henderson said Madoff does not deserve to spend his days in \"a federal country club.\"

Another victim, Sharon Lisshour, was very emotional as she addressed the court, describing the fraud as a nightmare that she keeps thinking she'll wake up from, but never does. \"He killed my spirit and shattered my dreams,\" Lisshour said of Madoff, adding that she thinks he should spend the rest of his life in prison.

\"This jail should become his coffin,\" said 33-year-old victim Michael Schwart, who had been investing with Madoff since he was a teen. Breaking down on the stand, Schwartz said the money he had invested with Madoff was supposed to support his disabled brother. Now, after losing his job, Schwartz said he has nothing.

Madoff Speaks at Sentencing

Outside the courthouse, advocacy groups such as the Madoff Survivors and Victims Coalition promoted their causes. The Coalition is calling on Congress to develop legislation that addresses losses due to fraud, for Bankruptcy Court to recover and quickly distribute assets to investors and for the IRS to extend the number of years for filing amended taxes as a result of fraud.

Self-described civil rights activist and comedian Randy Credico called for clemency for Madoff outside the courthouse, passing out flyers that read \"Clemency for the Ponzi One.\" Credico said Madoff should not be sent to prison because he is a first time non-violent offender.

Also handed out outside was the \"Bernie Madoff Edition\" of Andy Borowitz's book, \"Who Moved My Soap? The CEO's Guide to Surviving in Prison.\" The cover featured a picture of Madoff with bars superimposed over his face and proclamations that the book is \"made from 100% shredded paper,\" \"compact design survives most strip searches\" and \"can also be used as a weapon!\"

Ayana Harris contributed to this report.

Click Here for the Investigative Homepage.

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