FICRY

Bernie Madoff’s days will be forever dark, as he received the maximum prison sentence today–150 years.

Madoff dressed up today for his sentencing, clad in a white shirt, tie, and his only remaining suit, albeit, a dark one.  Bernie Madoff’s lawyers begged for a mere 12 year long sentence, citing there was a “mob vengeance” mentality surrounding the calls for a life-in-prison sentence. However, ample evidence and epically sad, gut-wrenching testimonies by those scammed, supported the prosecution’s plea for the maximum sentence. Ira Lee Sorkin, Bernie’s lawyer, cited Madoff as “a deeply flawed individual” but a human nonetheless. In retort, the judge stated the Madoff, the Ponzi schemer responsible for swindling thousands of investors, is “extraordinary evil.”

Just as several showed up to the court date to attest to Bernie’s horrific character, the judge cited no friends, family or other supporters had submitted any letters on Mr. Madoff’s behalf, attesting to the strength of his character or good deeds he had done.

From The New York Times:

“…They fought through tears, connected Mr. Madoff to villains from Dante’s Inferno, spoke of their feelings of betrayal and mistrust, and described how their families had lost money that would have gone to caring for disabled relatives.

“How could someone do this to us?” said Dominic Ambrosino, a retired New York City corrections officer who said he lost his life savings with Mr. Madoff and was the first victim to speak. “We worked honestly and so hard.”

Another victim, Sharon Lissauer, who said she invested all of her savings with Mr. Madoff, told the court: “He should spend his whole life in jail. He’s ruined so many people’s lives. He killed my spirit and shattered my dreams…”

In response, Madoff stated, “I’m responsible for a great deal of suffering and pain, I understand that,” the 71-year-old financier told the court. “I live in a tormented state now, knowing all of the pain and suffering that I’ve created. I’ve left a legacy of shame, as some of my victims have pointed out, to my family and my grandchildren.”

Addressing his victims seated in the courtroom, he said: “I will turn and face you. I’m sorry. I know that doesn’t help you.”