Dayum....even a hardened criminal wants nothing to do with Madoff! There is justice after all.

Alright Larry! Love that last line and couldn't agree more.

When criminals don't even respect you, that says it all.... Levine's last line says it all.
My only question is when are they going to get to Madoff's enablers in the SEC? They need to rot too.

Gotta love this Levine......:)))

This case is not closed. Bernie could not have done all that damage alone. Others will be joining him.

"let him rot in hell." couldn't have said it any better.

Amazing. So glad that Levine wouldn't help Madoff. Glad there are still people that can turn down money in favor of their morals!

Hey! Larry Levine gets it! These people are Economic TERRORISTS. The CEOS of Goldman Sachs, BOA, AIG, et. al. are NO different. They should be swept up by the DOJ like all the other terrorists and locked up in Gitmo- no lawyer, no release, no appeal. Since Obama is backing the Bush Admin's stance on just about everything else, let's go after America's REAL enemy- the boardroom.

This guy rules!

I agree with Levine, let him rot in Hell, maybe they can send some Gitmo prisoners to visit him too. Because they all are going to get their up and comings....

I would help him – but it would cost an arm and a leg.

hehe, this guy's cool.

A con with a conscience. I love it.

I think he hit the nail on the head when he described Madoff as "an economic terrorist". It's a perfect description for him. What does that make the SEC, since they where alerted about Madoff many times over the years?

Bravo to Larry Levine. I hope the victiims of the scumbag of the century gain some solace from what Larry said.

If you rip off an institution, like a bank or insurance company, you still hurt individuals because the loss to the company is handed down to the individuals in higher rates. So funny to see criminals that try to have standards, that don't make sense when taken to their logical conclusion. But then if a guy was really smart, he either wouldn't be a criminal, or he wouldn't get caught.

I know that life for Madoff is going to be pretty awful. But he had many years to think about the pain he was inflicting on others–destroying many lives. This wasn't a one-time violent act committed in an extreme moment. He indulged in these crimes for many years. Where was his conscience? Sorry, I have no sympathy. I don't wish for him to be whacked behind bars, but a harsh and terrifying day to day life–serves him right for what he methodically put so many others through all those years.

this clown is a moron I servedg federal prison time in 80's federal white collar charges this guy is trying to con someone Its very simple 1 he will be in a very low security prison because of age , crime type, never been in trouble!! My yard had putt putt golf in door swiming pools everything you need except freedom, dont gamble , keep a few friends mind your own business, and most of all respect others not that hard hardest thing missing your loved ones!!

And if you have money you have friends a plenty !!

Seems Mr. Levine needs clarification about the difference between his life in organized crime and the fraud committed by B. Madoff. There isn't any. Sorry, Larry. The crimes you committed are just as bad as what Bernie has done. But "narcotics trafficking, securities fraud, racketeering, obstruction of justice, and machine guns"? Please tell me how you avoided hurting anyone; I'm sure your sins are still being felt by those you harmed. I smell a hypocrite.

Cool article, Bernie better not run into a guy who's family he ripped off. That sob has whatever he gets in there coming to him.

I agree with Levine....let the man rot in hell. The pain he may receive in prision from others is only half the pain he has caused others. I hope other inmates get to him while the guards to the other way. I hope he gets what he has coming!!!! I hope you ROT in the depths of hell and may GOD have absolutely no mercy on your sole!!!

As an ex-con myself, after 15-years in the system, I believe Mr. Levine assessment is incorrect that "people are going to want to get to him." In general, there are people who want to get to everybody that comes in, it is sort of like a test or entertainment in the joint.

Madoff didn't do anything against the criminal society or anything that is less acceptable among the criminals. If Madoff had molested a child or raped a woman then the situation would be different.

The opposite is going to be true: the criminals are going to recognize that Madoff as clever and they will want to learn some of the tricks of the trade that he pulled off, as well also taking advantage of his knowledge of the financial system.

The biggest threat to Madoff is the garbage that Mr. Levine is talking,
which ain't about nothing and just typical head-running. Besides, Madoff is an old man and hardly anyone would mess with an old man in the joint unless he was a child molester.

Go figure Levine.

This guy is awesome. His analysis at the end is brilliant – hurt a corporation, that;s fine. Hurt people...rot.

Levin trafficked narcotics and dealth machine guns. I wonder if he hurt any individual peoples? My guess is yes just like everyone else would guess. But yet he says let Bernie rot in hell for his crimes against humanity. Don't get me wrong, Bernie deserves to go to jail and he deserves to rot in hell for all the people he's ruined. But for this dude Levine to condemn him, come on!? People died because of Levine. People lost money because of Madoff. Which is worse?

bernie will not be popular, i listened to some of the people that were ripped off and i have to wonder what they expected from there investments. you don't amass millions of dollars to invest because your and idiot

It's nice to see the softer side of ex-con Larry Levine – with compassion for Madoff's victims. I agree with Bernie – let him rot in hell!

Levine: You are a moron and don't have any idea what you are talking about. You are in the same camp as Madoff (taking money for nothing).

I have absolutely no pity for this man. He knew exactly what he was
doing when he took others money to live a lifestyle 99% of the
people can't even imagine.
His wife, sons and all the others involved with him should be prosecuted
because I don't believe for one minute they were all ignorant of what
was going on.
He has ruined so many lives and put so many into poverty especially the elderly who trusted him to do the right thing.

Awww. Poor Bernie. My heart bleeds. Not for him but for all the people whose lives he ruined. A lot of those people were retirement age and they won't have time to build back a nest egg.

The people at the SEC who were warned about Madoff and did nothing to stop him belong in the cell right next to his.

I HOPE HE MEET'S BUBBA IN A DARK PRIVATE PLACE
THEN HE MAY SEE WHAT IT IS LIKE TO GET SC-REW-ED

Economic terrorist is exactly what Bernie is.
He should have been tried as a traitor and enemy of the state.

They should be giving Bernie a medal, not jail. The people he stole from sure didn't get that money working 9-5. I guess his big downfall is that he didn't give to the poor. OK, send him to jail for being Greedy and Stupid (He should of left the country when he had the chance!)

Economic Terrorist – that is a good term for Madoff. He deserves a lot worse than he will ever get. True justice for this 'terrorist' will be for him to live out the remainder of his miserable life in total fear. Perhaps somewhere down the line, one of his fellow inmates will do what the justice system failed to do and end his sorry existance. Few outside of his family will weep. That end, along with the humiliation he has so justly earned so far, will bring some closure to his many victims. I agree – let him rot!

This is one time where i would not want to spend a weekend at Bernie's

I'm a get even type guy with no compassion for this piece of work Madoff. I hope he hurts bad.
Can't wait to see his brother,sons and wife in prison also.

Maybe Cheny can hire him in advance to train his for his upcoming debut for his crimes against America. As a bonus he can addin a few sessions for Bush too

Great article. Madoff is getting exactly what he deserves.

Perhaps those at the SEC who let this situation grow over ten years, despite constant warnings about Madoff, should get to spend some time in the same cell as Bernie.

Larry Levine is no better than Bernie Madoff. He should not be allowed to make a living off of his prison experience. I guess crime does pay doesn't it Larry?

Has anyone thought to do a test for psychopathology on Madoff? No one lies that well for that long and lives on the avails of misery unless they have no feelings of remorse. I couldn't care less where he serves the sentence. He's an economic terrorist, he should be in Gitmo maybe. At least then using the Dick Cheney water boarding method we'd find where he hid the loot.

How about the federal government going after all of the bank executives, including that idiot Paulson, who caused the financial chaos that we are dealing with today. Oh, wait, that's right, Paulson is Obama's buddy so I guess that won't happen.

mlosan – As the guy said, the hardened cons are doing life. They have nothing to lose. They'll do w/e they want.

I like this guy! (Levine, that is!)

CNN needs to tell me that jail is scary? really? come on, now.

I think the wife should be locked up as well,She lived a lavish lifestyle off of everybodys money just like he did.I think she'll be the lonyest women in the world though!!

So, Narcotics trafficking, securities fraud, racketeering, obstruction of justice, and machine guns I'd say this puts you in the same class as Bernie Madoff!
Imagine how many kids got hooked on the drugs you trafficked!! Please, don't you think you are being a bit hypocritical...I think Murdoff will be killed within a month. You just got lucky!!

Everyone loves this narcotics trafficking soprano for his ethics/morals.

It's difficult to square this circle. His statements are purely PR. "I'll sell drugs to kids, but I won't work with madoff types". Yeh right. He'll work with anyone that pays. He'd sell bernie crack if he could swing it.

I think for his sentence, it should have been this:

Charge him 1 arm and 1 leg
Let this Larry guy be his cellmate for 2 weeks raping him every night....................!!!!!!!

What an ass this Madoff guy was, thinking he would get away with it? lol

Madoff is in trouble with God. He needs to saved before the killers get to him. No safe place for him except in the Hands of God.
Get with Bernie your party time is up here, you hurt too many people who counted on you known and unkown. Fidiciary responsibilty carries a big burden when you abuse it, and you did.. you and your wife.

I wonder how are the odds running in Vegas on how long will he last before he's killed . . . .

Is going to happened. That's a given. He had to messed up someone with a relative or friend in jail.

That thieving S.O.B. got what he deserved!!! I hope he rots in his cell dwelling on why he's there. The only problem is that people that can commit acts such as he did dont feel genuine remorse... The only thing he's probably sorry about is getting caught!

I'm guessing that machine guns ended up 'hurting people'

anyway, highprofile cons like Tyson, Vick, etc., generally don't mingle with everyone else. Not life is a picnic for them.

what a nice criminal! He has morals! Makes me feel all good and fuzzy inside, kind of a joke wouldnt you say, RIP Bernie!

I predict a WHOLE NEW group of prison guard millionaires!!!

Joseph said:
servedg federal prison time in 80’s federal white collar charges this guy is trying to con someone Its very simple 1 he will be in a very low security prison because of age , crime type, never been in trouble!! My yard had putt putt golf in door swiming pools everything you need except freedom, dont gamble , keep a few friends mind your own business, and most of all respect others not that hard hardest thing missing your loved ones!!

I don't know you or your crimes, but Madoff's notority is what's going to get him in medium security. Everything is publis so the press would have a field day given what he's done if they let him have the same type of deal that you did.

Erza is next, followed by Ruthie...and I doubt she'll get to go to camp cupcake!

Apparently this tool doesnt understand that when you rip off a company YOU ARE STILL HURTING PEOPLE. The banks, they HOLD OUR MONEY...you steal that, you're stealing MY MONEY

crikey, that's why these people are stupid criminals...

Many of Madoff's victims are going to have "harsh and terrifying day to day" lives..just wondering where the money is going to come from for rent and food. Living on a fixed social security income, which requires careful planning but at least is something. I have much sympathy for Madoff's victims..who have nothing.

Trafficking drugs, machine guns are not crimes that would hurt people????? Oh Please! How stupid do you think the American public is? You are just another scum bag trying to make a buck doing nothing.

Please stop the insanity. most of the victims were greedy and they knew something was up but figured they had nothing to worry about. also, why are we giving bernie more hell than molesters and rapists and gangsters? you got rolled, wise up and move on!

Wow what a moralist. Madoff hurt people and you didn't?? Your narcotics trafficking and fraud only hurt "institutions" and not "people". ??

he'll be dating in no time

Larry levine is a mutt and not connected in any way with OC, now or ever. MUTT!!

Just to play devil's advocate, I wonder how much responsibility any of the victims are taking for their role in the whole thing: they wanted to make a killing, getting in on something only available to the elite, and when they got burned they suddently became victims. Boo hoo. I say "man up" and accept that you took a risk and lost. Who in their right mind puts all their money, all their savings, in one place - all their proverbial eggs in one basket? I'll bet most of them were grinning and patting themselves on the back, thinking themselves superior to the rest of us working class suckers, drooling at the thought of making a killing. My sympathies are limited.

I couln't agree more with PJ. The remaining crooks out there (Chuck Prince-Citi, Hank Greenberg AIG, Sandy Weil- Citi, Bill Clinton and Robert Rubin the wretched guys that helped them out) should all be in jail. As the Scandinavians say: "The fish is rotten from the head down !!)

So, according to this guy, it's okay to help a criminal out if they ripped off an insurance company or robbed a bank? Interesting. I'm not sure what to make of this.

Right on L.M.

Interesting perspective from a man that was on the inside. I agree. Let Bernie Madoff "rot in hell".

Larry said it best..."rot in hell"-econ terrorist? perfect–what better guy to interview for something so high profile and show what changes HE has made-Larry, good for you and what you're doing...I DO disagree with one of his points-I think Bernie will be QUITE popular in prison

Too bad Bernie can't live another 150 years to enjoy all of his time as a guest of the US Government!

Larry Levine is not a hardened criminal. While he may have done some time, it was not hard time by federal standards. This is all an act to make money. Typically an experienced attorney will know quite a lot about the prison environment to which his client will report. Larry was a scam artist before prison and he's one now. Don't waste your money on this guy. You can go to bop.gov and learn pretty well everything this guy could tell you –along with some common sense.

I believe a 150 year sentence is a joke. The judge should have just said life without parole! There are those who say a better sentence would have been one where he is forced to panhandle on the streets of NYC with a big sign on his back. For someone used to living in a lap of luxury his whole life, the ultimate shame of being forced to beg for a living would be worse than a life sentence where at least he gets free food and medical care.

I don't know of anyone who feels any sympathy for Madoff... Obviously, he never felt any for all those her swindles over many years.
I don't wish him to be killed or even beaten up in jail as this would not be a valid justice. It would only perhaps kill him, which is probably what he wishes at this point.
The better punishment in my opinion is solitary confinement without ever seeing daylight for the rest of his life. Under 24 hour surveillance so he does not attempt to commit suicide.
Imagine seeing no one, no daylight, and living alone 24/7 in a 6' X 10' cell for the rest of his life, would be a much harsher punishment.
He has made people prisoners financially for the rest of their life by his actions. he deserves no less.

I wish him to have a big company arund him. All those Economic Terrorists, who took millions of dollars, and the same time laid peole off from their jobs. Carelessly. Those people should be Madoff company in the prison.

Bernie's lucky. In ancient Rome, he would have been fed to the bloodthirsty crowds at the gladiator games or crucified alive, with his entire family, outside the city.

Ponzi scheme should now be known as Madoff Scheme.

Dear All,

For some people, they may not understand why we would like to see an elderly man put away.

Bernie has ruined thousands of people beyond repair, they have no financial support in their age and some have no family to go to for help.

Bernie has also caused some folk's to have commit suicide, and sadly maybe more in the days and years to come.

With Bernie's wife with ONLY getting 2.5 million, I think that is 2.45 million more than she needs, and the money should go to the victim's in this case.

Bernie will have medical care and three hot's and a cot now, more than his victims. Trully sad.

I couldnt agree more, Levine is a hypocrite!

Madoff is not a rapist or a child molester. Not that many prisoners are going to want to "get him" unless someone has put a price on his head, which, considering the scope of his crime, is entirely within the realm of possibility.

They should throw his wife and sons in jail with him.You can't tell me they didn't know he was stealing all this money from these families,what did they think he found all this money on the side of the road ? I hope that the Madoff family all rot in hell and that the goverment makes them homeless!

"Let him rot in hell".......hopefully continuing investigations will turn up
company for him there.

Levine says "If you rip off a bank and insurance company, an institution, that’s an acceptable crime" ... because, apparently, nobody gets hurt.

... and all you people are saying he's some kind of hero because he doesn't want to help Bernie.

I wouldn't help Bernie either, but some ex-con saying that it's okay to rob banks, insurance companies – or anything at all – sure doesn't get my vote. Crime always hurts someone; you rip off an insurance company, then that's why everyone's car insurance/health insurance premiums go up. You rip off banks and that's why you get screwed with bank charges for everything.

Nobody gets hurt? Yeah, right!

Aside from the pure economics of it, there really is something wrong with ripping off anything or anyone; i.e. it's simply morally wrong. But, of course, meat-head Levine could hardly be expected to know about such advanced concepts as morals and ethics.

Bernie should change religions quickly - I wish he had done it a long time ago! He's a "shanda fur da goyim!"

I don't see Mr. Madoff as any more criminal than the next. Some of you say that his crime is worse because he hurt people. Well guess what? Many, many of those 'people' hurt a hell of a lot of other people to get their 'personal' fortunes. Get your priorities in order! Killing a person is infinitely worse than a ponzi scheme.

Talk about the chickens coming home to roost. Madoff is just a product of our corrupt, capitalist system. So, he ripped off a bunch of super-wealthy individuals. So, some people may lose their 4th or 5th beach house in the Florida keys.. Big deal! Corporations, banks and so-called financial institutions have been ripping off the lower and middle classes for decades. People need to wake up... This man is just a byproduct of a system that has "terrorized" hard-working, regular people for as long as I can remember.. Why is our anger always so misdirected?

Joe – You're an idiot. You want to give him a medal because people didn't get that money working 9-5? Do you know anything about this case? No, you don't. Get the facts strait....ALOT OF PEOPLE GAVE MONEY TO HIM: PEOPLE WHO WORKED 9-5 IDIOT.

Regarding comments by "Joe": Why is there always some moron who just wants to disagree with the prevailing wisdom? Madoff is a serious offender who caused people to commit suicide, lose their homes, retirement savings, life savings (Kevin Bacon is an example) and cost us, the taxpayers, millions of dollars to prosecute. He was given a lighter sentence than his victims will have endure for the rest of their lives.

To get the full appreciation of his dramatically changed life style of his 150 year sentence in Federal prison. I hope Bernie lives a very long time.

My wifes parents are now living with us do to this parasite and I see the the damage he created daily. Life in prison for him should be hell, glad to hear it will be!

more props to Larry for that last line of his. Screw Madoff, I am sure it will be a bit of comfort to his victims that he's literally getting in return what he figuratively did to others.

Larry,

I pray to Jesus himself that I never need your services.

But if I do need anyone like you. I pick you!

You look like a total B.A.

And

You did the crime, the time and now are making good.

I predict Madoff does not last 5 years.

Wow. That guy is hard core

That term – "economic terrorist" – is classic. But there's something ridiculous in Larry Levine – a man who is an ex-con – claiming that he "turned down" Bernie Madoff. Are you kidding me? That's like the pot calling the kettle black.

If Larry Levine really is in the business of counseling white collar criminals on jail life, then I assume most of his customers are unsavory characters. Bernie Madoff was able to pull off his large scale crime because he had connections and a rock solid reputation in the New York finance community. Most other criminals can't really pull a stunt off like this because they don't have the same assets to use. But don't think for a minute that this makes them less culpable or less evil than Bernie. So quit the grandstanding, Larry. You're no better than Bernie.

I heard someone cry hypocrite for Levine snubbing Madoff. Maybe you're right but there's something poetic about this article. Bernie robbed private citizens, they had no protection, institutions due. Madoff lived off the fat of individuals hard work and dreams while turning their lives into nightmares. It's so disgusting there's no words for it.

FYI-A psychiatrist contradicted Levine's theory of suicide. According to the doctor, Bernie is unlikely to kill himself because he's so narcissistic he can only see himself as a righteous victim. Sadly even imprisonment is unlikely to penetrate this guys ego.

Hope they get Bush and Cheney too...much worse criminals than Madoff.

I dont know what the big deal is. I think 150 years is too much.

His wife and two sons should be stripped of all their belongings. They play the innocent card. They knew very well what bernie was doing, and they all profited. I think it's wrong for the wife to get 2.5millions. Most of the people that invested with mr.monster don't have anything left, she and the sons should not have anything left in their pocket either. The money she got is stollen money therefore, she should go to sell burgers and see how the rest of the world earn money. 2.5 is a disgrace, she has no right to anything. mr. monster I hope he lives for a long time and has sleepless nights. SHAME SHAME.

My question is, if Madoff had to give back all of his assets, how does he still have the funds to hire a prison consultant? He should be on his own, like so many of the people he swindled.

Madoff is just the tip of the iceberg. The real eye should be on Bernanke, Paulson, Geithner and Summers! Heck, how about just the entire corrupt Fed and SEC...Madoff was just a sacrifice, a distraction. Yea he stole from a lot of people, but have you looked at your retirement account and housing value lately? That is theft, our whole economy is a Ponzi scheme...I wonder what the sentence would be for those clowns running this show!

why listen to a guy who thinks ripping off companies and institutions is ok but not people? Isn't there a Bill Gates behind a Microsoft? If the company fails due to scams, don't thousands of employees feel the pain? No crime is ok. This article was all hype – it was supposed to be a story about how Madoff was advised about how to survive in jail and this disgruntled holier-than-BLM criminal got his 15 minutes of airtime to yield NOTHING – the article wove to a close with a ridiculous DISS.

I read Mr. Levin's comments and althought he speaks the truth in some sense, a lot of what he had to say had a lot of sensationalism to it. Yes, Ol' Bennie will be sent to a Med Security Facility, but life will not be too hard for him. I know. I've spent time in a FDC (dentention Center), Med Facility and a camp. The rappist, murders, etc.. are in Med Facilities but they have worked their to that level based on their behavior. Therefore, the majority are just trying to do their time. Bennie will have access to an inmate store that on the Federal level compare to the state level is not that bad. He will have access to cable TV and weekly videos. There are ice machines, microwaves and numerous activities to keep him occupied. And if granted, because of his education, he will be assigned a "juice job" granting him further favors. So, while he might not be familiar with cell living, he will be able to manage.

Unfortunately I don't think he is tough enough to last very long in prison. Keep in mind this is one brilliant guy. I abhor everything he has done, but financial genius in jail is just a waste.

As Donald Trump said...

The people who lost all their money in Madoff's scheme were victims of their own greed just as much as they were victims of Bernie Madoff.
People with dollar signs in their eyes who put all their eggs in one basket (Madoff's basket) trying to reap unrealistically high profits.

An old rule of thumb among con-men is that a person first has to be greedy in order for the con-man to be able to rip them off.

So, I don't have any sympathy for Madoff's once wealthy, greedy victims either.

Regards,
-Ward

screw simon cowell, larry levine is my american idol!

If Bernie had stolen a much smaller amount, he most likely would go under the radar in the hole; but since it's Bernie and he is the poster boy for Wall Street's greed and corruption, every con who has had a hard life growing up is going to want to take a crack at him. I give him 30 days before they have to put him in isolation because of the threats on his life...

Honor among thieves!

I tried to have some sympathy for Bernie I can't do it. His poor wife is left "broke" with only 2.5 million and no friends; can't find sympothy for her either.

So Larry Levine sold or ran guns–& narcotics? And those guns didn't kill anyone? Give me a break this guy is scum just like Madoff. In the end Levine and Madoff both hurt people, Madoff just a more.

now only they can do this to carl rove and george bush!!

I agree w/Joseph & Jim Powell above..I dated an ex-con who did his 4 yrs w/2 attorneys, 1 in for insur fraud, 1 in for interstate drug trafficking....none of them had their lives threatened; it was like Joseph said, putt-putt golf & reading; he's got 2.5 mil thru his wife; (everybody wanted legal advice & in Madoff's case, he's got $$ & financial advise – crooks abound in the board rooms, folks); they stuck together afterwards too..he'll just be rotting in he// but won't be threatened as Levine says.

This guy has no leg to stand on he trafficked narcotics and guns who were you supporting pal... Terrorists. Who were you hurting individuals lots of them... Madoff sucks too I guess this guy is the lesser of two evils.

I have a lot of respect for Mr Levine, to have committed crimes, spent a lot of time in jail, and be smart enough to turn that into an advantage. Moreover to have the ethics to not help Mr Madoff Bravo!

Madoff has an option. Cooperate fully not matter waht the implication and how close the enablers were with you and your prison life will emd up with amenities and several excursions and walks of contemplation in the park. The judge knew what he was doing by imposing a sentence to perpetuity. It is up to Bernie to limit the effects. of that sentence. Please the authorities and you get some benefit.

Interesting...I quote:

"Levine: Narcotics trafficking, securities fraud, racketeering, obstruction of justice, and machine guns. My whole case was organized crime."

A little further down he says:

"Bernie hurt people. He hurt people individually and I refuse to help people like that. Let him rot in hell."

So I get this straight – Narcotics trafficking...and machine guns don't "hurt" people individually and are available for "help"...and being an "economic terrorist" is better?

This is the problem – society in general STILL views drug crimes/trafficking, etc. as "victimless" crimes. I betcha I could find a couple of families (please note the sarcasm) that have lost a loved one to drugs that would probably disagree with me.

Put me on CNN – I would have plenty to say. Oh yeah – I'm an ex-con too.

I agree that Bernie should of got the 150 yrs but why not hard labor just because of his age? Make those soft hands dig ditches! If his wife was his bookkeeper for forty years don't tell me she knew nothing about this? Send her to the pokie too!
As far as the folks that lost "all" their retirement I am sorry but anytime you invest is no indication you will gain money. Its a gamble. Why put all your money in one pot? There is a reason investors say diversify to spread the risk. Hope you get most of you money back.

I hope he is terrified! I am sure there are a few that he scammed out of thier retirement are pretty terrified of how they will live their final years in retirement of Social Security instead of the supplement their retirement was to provide them. There is no sympathy afforded Maddof and the others who helped him as everyone knows he was incapable of this ponzi scheme without accomplices.

That guy is badass! Love em! Like to know ore about him.

"Narcotics trafficking, securities fraud, racketeering, obstruction of justice, and machine guns."

And this guy thinks he's better than Madoff? Funny to hear a mobster talk about what is acceptable crime and what is not acceptable crime, especially in light of his own. Glad he finally found someone low enough to feel self righteous but give me a break.

Joseph – I think you're missing the point . How many ppl in your low-security prison/camp had sentences of 150 years?

Regarding Levine's statement, if it were an acceptable crime, it wouldn't be a crime.

Ironically enough the people he ripped off (along with the rest of us) are going to be paying his rent through our tax dollars.

Gary's Comment is:

Mr. Madoff is where he belongs and he earned his place by hurting
so many people, it would have been better if he had killed them, at
least they would not suffer as now they will for the rest of their life.

Mrs. Madoff and his children need to be in prison with him, as you must know they all had to know what was going on, at least they
enjoyed the money, and tried to hide it when things got tuff.

If this country is hard on crime like this perhaps the next person will
think twice about stealing from people and hurting their life.

Mr. Levine's label of economic terrorist is the best explanation of Madoff's criminal activities. How much different is Madoff than a serial killer? When you take into account the harm he has done to future generations of current Madoff investors the repercussions are staggering. And the fact that he won't implicate anyone else compounds the grief to all involved in this high class hustle.

Bernie Madoff is a creep. I read a story today about a woman who lost all her money because of him. She now "exists" by selling recyclables. He should never, ever, get out of jail.

Nice article. Larry Levine was very insightful. Couldn't agree more with his final assessment.

In addition to ripping off individuals, Madoff caused untold damage by destroying non-profit organizations that funded research into Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and other diseases. A curse on Madoff's soul for the harm he's done to people already suffering from these and other diseases whose cures will be delayed.

He should be put to work while in prison helping to uncover other fraudsters out there. He definitely has the skill set and the know how. We should sqeeze every possible ounce of productivity out of this guy we possibly can so that we stop more people from being defrauded and get some of these guys before all the money's gone.

WOW!!! I just wanted to quickly comment on this "character" Larry Levine. Where in the heck did he come from? He looks like a cartoon character...perhaps he could play Dog Chapman's arch enemy on Chapman's show! Anyway, I personally did 62. months in a NYS medium security prison for drug possession. It was no picnic, especially being a 160lb white guy. I agree with Levine's suggestion of keeping to himself (Bernie). I think that anyone...anyone even facing just a year would be afraid. Fear of the unknown is probably the most prevelant fear known to man...

I disagree with pretty much the rest of Levine's advise. Actually, it seems to me that mBig 'Ole Larry's got a little scam of his own...Offering people facing a prison sentence what he makes seem like objective advise in a totally subjective world...that of being incarcerated. There are too many variables....diferent officers, different "unwritten" rules and so on. One other thing Levine states is that people contact him in an attempt to right some wrongs that may be done to their incarcerated friend, family, etc....that's total BS and should not be believed by anyone!

I will offer, for FREE, two facts you can take to the bank in prison: 1) the strong survive temporarily 2) the smart, educated inmate survives permanently.....why? Because there is always someone tougher than the toughest....and because intelligence, in every aspect is a highly valued commodity. I never had a beef with anyone, I never received an infraction, I never had anything stolen, never extorted...instead I was respected because I worked for the literacy volunteers, taught people how to read and write. I was the chaplains clerk and was able to move people into different programs. I taught inmates how to use the executive law that covers the DOC to their advantage.

Obviously bernie is smart. He is also a frail old man. He didn't rape or diddle kids....Use your talents Bernie...Don't try to develop new ones in there. He ran the biggest fraud in history. He should be fine...especially when he realizes how few people have a college education.

Larry my friend, c'mon....Grow up, cut the typical inmate stereotyping, including the look and all...LOL

It sure serves right for Madoff to go for 150 years. He trampled on peoples lives. One question, are those investors really deserving all that sympathy just for showing disregard for their own safety. They are not children or people who do not know the evils of the world. All investors should do their home works well and eavalute risks before jumping into investing. Madoff did not take their money at gun point. They gave him happily for which they only are responsible. Greed might have been a factor. US Govt and US tax payers should never bear any costs by extending any relief to any one who made investments with Madoff. Our money is hard earned for that matter.

Levine: Narcotics trafficking, securities fraud, racketeering, obstruction of justice, and machine guns. My whole case was organized crime.

Ok, let me start by saying Madoff pissed me off as well, but when he calls him an economic terrorist, that is like calling the pot calling the kettle black. Face it Mr.Levine, you too are an economic terrorist, only on a smaller scale.

Drug trafficking, securities fraud, racketeering. C'mon people stop rallying around this ex-con, he is not better than Madoff, his crimes were less intrusive dollar wise.

Who do you think used the drugs he brought in? Kids maybe?

Who was hurt by securities fraud? American investors, everyday people in mutual funds, etc.?

Racketerring? Gee, those people are always nice and well balanced (i.e. loan sharks, strong men, mafioso henchmen who collect protection money from innnocent everyday people, bootleggers, counterfeiters, etc.).

Yeah, he is real cool, if Bernie rots in hell, I sure would like to see this jack@#$ rot in hell right beside. Go pound salt you piece of garbage ex-con.

I notice that foreign banks are keeping a low profile on this matter. C"mon, Bernie and Ruth, give it up! Misery loves company!

Why is it ok to steal from an institution?

Joe,

What do you mean "They should be giving Bernie a medal, not jail. The people he stole from sure didn’t get that money working 9-5."

Pure ignorance. The people that invested in him may not have done hard labor to earn their money but that doesn't mean they are criminals. If your intelligence doesn't allow afford you the opportunities to build wealth that's your problem. People like you expect handouts and judge those of us that work hard for our financial success.

Bernie affected many people across the board- even you. Take a look at the economy around you- the $65 million sure didn't help this situation.

And I should note I am a liberal.

Levine really puts a real world perspective on what's about to happen to Madoff. We hear about people going to prison all the time...it's hard to understand the reality of it. Madoff really is going from one extreme to another. I feel bad for Madoff as a human being, but hey, you get what you give. As for "rotting" in hell...I wouldn't go that far.

Federal Penetratiary for this BM ....

Question of time before he offers double digit returns to his fellow inmates...

Get real. Money talks. With money you can get anything done to anyone, on the inside or the outside. Everything is for sale(contracts,etc.). Madoff is the guy that knows how the wheels turn.

David E. June 30th, 2009 12:21 pm ET

Dear All,

For some people, they may not understand why we would like to see an elderly man put away.

Bernie has ruined thousands of people beyond repair, they have no financial support in their age and some have no family to go to for help.

Bernie has also caused some folk’s to have commit suicide, and sadly maybe more in the days and years to come.

With Bernie’s wife with ONLY getting 2.5 million, I think that is 2.45 million more than she needs, and the money should go to the victim’s in this case.

Bernie will have medical care and three hot’s and a cot now, more than his victims. Trully sad
----------------

So very well said!! So much damage he caused...now it's his turn!

I totally agree with Mr. Levine's assessment of Bernie Madoff and with Mr. Levine's assessment of what Madoff will face in prison. I know that Madoff is a snivelling coward when it boils right down to it. And Madoff will sing like a bird to get privileges and better treatment. When he starts chirping we are going to see a lot more people that he has been shielding thus far join him in the slammer. So he faces danger from people inside and threats from people outside who will pay people inside to take him out. Gee I sure feel sorry for Bernie Madoff.....NOT.

Bernie will spend the rest of his breathing years behind bars. It is all about greed. He will have plenty of time to ask for foregiveness if he opens the Bible and truly spends the rest of his life reading, believing and praying for his soul to be forgiven. I know that everyday people's lives are ruined. There whole lives of hard work and he destroyed their dreams of retirement, gone, by a greedy man. He will have to pray for his own soul. His hell will be in the prison he will accomodate for the rest of his life.

Seems like I remember something about cruel and unusual punishment? Some of what goes on in our prison systems is not ok, and those of you that would wield that sword, think about what you are doing. Eye for an eye you say? Please move to the middle east.

But yeah, Levine is wrong anyway. If I were in there with him, I'd be his friend and take out anyone who tried to hurt him so I could get some of that money you know he has stashed in some secret offshore accounts...

For all those bashing Levine, he at least realizes what he did is wrong and is trying to make up for it; he's done repaid his debt to society, so lay off. On the contrary, Madoff has absolutely zero remorse.

After reading the interview between Chetry and Levine, Mr. BM should probably pray for a massive heart attack as he walks past the closing prison gates.

"economic terrorist." I love that termology

Love that last line, well few lines starting with "I wouldn't help the guy out..." Says it all!

He did hurt people. Many peoples' 'lives' are gone because of Madoff.

High-five, low-five and elbow that Larry!!

What a fascinating read! And bravo to Levine's refusal to help Madoff whatsoever!

I hope all those on Wall Street and other power house financial people are reading this. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure..so think twice before you "wheelers and dealers" pillage other people's money or else you will end up in a hell cell like Bernie.

Why, if he's a consultant, does he still look like someone's bear if he's there to act as a consultant, which we would assume is a neutral party? I mean. really, did the Village Peoiple lose a member, or is he the member of the last Village People's person?

Keep in mind that the average personal loss in this case was $10,000,000. The people who lost this much money were just as greedy as Madoff. If you have $10,000,000 you really don't need to invest! They had all they would ever need, but they still wanted more. Their greed caught up with them. I have no more sympathy for them than I do for Madoff. As the old saying goes: Only invest what you can afford to lose. For those small investors who were hurt, my comment doesn't apply to you. For those of you who lost millions, you got what you deserved.

[...] How serious?  Even hardened criminals want nothing to do with him. [...]

Who really cares anymore?

No need to say more! Levine knows what's up! Hopefully Madoff will be an example to others...

THIS CON IS RIGHT ON on bernie, no one cares about what happens to "POPS"

I hope he does rot in hell. They need to give more sentences like these to people who murder someone.

Oh hark, I hear all the folks applauding his brisk sentence. Ha ha ha, like it really hurts him, he took the money, all the greedy people are now asking for blood. Guess what, you dummies aren't getting back much back. Don't you think money for nothing is gonna last forever? Get off your wide a$$ and work for it. Ha ha ha......

"Ponzi scheme should now be known as Madoff Scheme."

Actually Ponzi scheme should now be known as Social Security.

bernie madoffs bum is gonna hurt lol

Poor Bernie.......you got pulled in by greed and now you have to pay the price!

Don't do the criiiiiiiiiiiiime, if you can't do the tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiime..............

I would give Madoff one more year of life, maximum. And it may not happen that others will get to him. It will be a heart attack from the fear and stress he will now have to face, 24/7. His ticker will not be able to handle it all.

Look, not all his victims were "greedy", many were investors in hedge funds or through advisors that invested with Madoff, knowingly or unknowingly. I agree he's a scumbag, but don't blame ALL the recipients – not al of them "knew" what was going on or where their funds were diverted. I agree that his wife, family, friends and unnamed partners should all be punished too and the SEC has no excuse.

Bernie's crime is particularly heinous because he preyed upon his own kind–Jews. He showed zero remorse in court. Screw 'em. He'll be dead within the year if he doesn't try to off himself first.

Oh I'm so sorry he will be terrified in prision. Look at the many people he left terrified by squandering their retirement funds and savings. They are terrified that they won't be able to stay in their homes, send kids to college or even live day to day.
I love the sympathy picture of Ruth Madoff riding the subway with the sign above her head 99 cents. That would be a high price for both of them in my books!

I cried when I heard the story of one madoff victim that has to dumpster dive for food when her food stamps run out and is to old an ill to work and dosent have enough money to pay for her medications. But I still think society is judged on the amount of mercy we are capable of. I am sure the vicims would rather that Madoff be in a minimum security prision where he could write a book explaining what happened, which would be a best seller and all the profits would go to the vicitims, some of whom will die without financial help and possibly the book would expose how he was able to get away with what he did, so that we the people could demand better regulation and oversight from our elected goverment.

Be careful how you scream for blood! Everyone wants to see Bernie get shivved in prison. Personally, I would not be surprised to find out that Bernie was innocent but decided to take the fall for his two sons. If it turns out that Bernie has a terminal disease, I'd actually be convinced that the real criminals are still out there and he was the fall guy.

Bernie will be fine in prison. First of all, this so called consultant is full of, you know what.
They will assign him at first for a few weeks in the high security for the public to be satisfied. Once the public pressure is off, he will be able to buy himself some sympathy for his old age and illness to move to minimum security. He has enough money hidden to buy all the help he needs in the prison. Even buy protection inside. His sons and family are pretty rich and there are always criminals inside willing to make deals, if the price is right.

Uh, Larry......ripping off anyone is not acceptable, Bernie is just a whole new level of low.
Actually, I have no patience for Bernie Maddoff or anyone else involved in that whole mess....not even the investors. They had to know that their returns were well out of the range of normal and with above normal returns come above normal risks. Not that I am totally unsympathetic to the victims. I realize that their worlds as they knew it just ended and that is truly tragic but these type of outcomes were known since the times of Charles Dickens ....By this point in time most people should know that if you build your lifestyle on extraordinary income, you need to acknowledge your extraordinary risk exposure.

Bernie was greedy, the investors were greedy. Bernie is going to jail because he was also a thief. I will shed no tears for Bernie or anyone else that they can convict. They should all rot in jail for the balance of their lives.

I do hope that the investors can recoup some of their losses and wish them the best. They were foolish, but not criminal.

Larry,
You have to be kidding. When you rip off a bank or insurance company you also hurt people. Bernie only hurt equally greedy people.

Mr. Levine doesn't have to try and help people but he is. This is supposed to be a forum about Bernie Madoff not a place for insults to be flung at Mr. Levine. Mr. Levine has seen it all during his ten years in prison and insults submitted here will have no negative effect on him whatever so maybe we could all just stick to the point, which is Bernie Madoff. Thanks

Good, now when are all these inside bank robbers( bank execs) going to repay what they stole from all of us?They stole a complete financial system that effected us all and still is.They use our dollars that they literally stole from us for lawyers, that can twist the language around to confuse us and cause delay after delay till we suffer ad nauseam and give up.You will never get a bank exec.to plead guilty ever,of course unless they have negotiated a deal.Though the law is getting better with the new government,some of the smarter and deceitful are still getting around the law and using it to their advantage.What ever happened to "RES IPSA LOQUITUR"?

Ile Larry is a jerk and just as bad as Madoff, he hooked our kids on drugs.So, Narcotics trafficking, securities fraud, racketeering, obstruction of justice, and machine guns I’d say this puts you in the same class as Bernie Madoff!
Ole Larry was probably a PUNK in prison.

I think this Larry guy is a cookie. If he is so tough, why does he have to do any consulting.

All I have to say is Levine has no clue what he is talking about. Seems he is only looking for some attention in the press.
Bernie will be going to medium security prison, and then transferred to a minimum security prison after a short period of time. He is much too old, and white collar criminals do their time in minimum security. And nobody is going to mess with Bernie... Levine has no clue what on earth he is talking about.
That Jim Powell guy was exactly correct in his assessment. And Levine is a total hypocrit

What a sanctimonious load of crap. This guy has managed to turn his life around after being involved in "narcotics trafficking, securities fraud, racketeering, obstruction of justice, and machine guns" and he can sit there with a straight face and say "Bernie hurt people...let him rot in hell". Did the drugs he illegally sold not hurt anybody? Did the machine guns he provided to crimanls hurt anybody? Did the people he defrauded get hurt? What was the total social cost of this man's crimes? I am assuming he feels he has reedemed himself and turned his own life around...but he can sit there with a straight face and say "let him rot in hell". What a pathetic human being.

Here we go again focused on the wrong target. Madoff doesn't matter.
He is just the sacrificial schmuck. Here are the questions we should be asking; Who are his co-conspirators? Where is the money? How did it get there? Why did the SEC not investigate when given the case on a silver platter by the forensic accountant? That order DID NOT come from a field office. How is it possible that the IRS NEVER ONCE verified a trade with the actual company with all these thousands and thousands of trades being reported on the investors tax returns. None of them ever got audited in 30 years???? Try not reporting $3 in interest payments from a bank on your next tax return and see what happens. Why did the Justice Dept. accept a guilty plea with so many unanswered questions instead of launching a full scale investigation. There is NO WAY this doesn't go to the highest levels of at least one government, they ABSOLUTELY HAD to know about this. Forget about Madoff, follow the money.

Bernie committed unconsionable acts, with little regard for the victims...he has caused excruciating pain and duress to those who trusted him...Bernie is right now feeling a sample of that pain and duress...his days are numbered with anguish, guilt and fear...Bernie deserves to rot in hell, like most of us for our own wrongdoings, although few have perpetrated acts that are so far reaching as Bernie...

we, the people have not and will not show him mercy...the best he can hope for is a quiet and early death....May God show him divine mercy....

Too bad that SEC officials will not join Madoff in his hell hole. They had ample warning about his Ponzi operation and remained asleep in their bureaucratic stupor.

This guy claims to be doing this "consulting" stuff for a living...he's anything but a professional, it's like being a lawyer and refusing to defend someone because of what you think or what the world thinks about the defendant. Or better yet, he is trying to get on Bernie's clients good side so when they go to jail themselves, he could counsel them alright. Madoff is a crook, no doubt about it, but I think he shouldn't have been given 150 years for what he did was theft and that's what the judicial should punish, the deed and not the amount, that's what the law should be about and not who are the people who got screwed and what friends do they have "up there". I wouldn't be surprised if Madoff will find his end in jail executed by one of the other inmates whose family received a fatty check to get the job done and thus exonerate either the others involved with him or those who got burned. It's business gentlemen, don't blame the government, you weren't blindfolded but greedy. Now it's obvious that you're trying to put the blame on SEC so the rest of us hard working tax payers can pay you whatever sum Madoff was making up for your monthly statements, that's not going to happen, it's gone baby, long gone

DMoney – he DID get away with it. He did not get caught – he turned himself in!

Not too fond of this Levine guy at all. I agree that Madoff should rot in hell, but Levine just seems a bit too hypocritical and self serving.

I have news for you Mr. Levine. Ripping off companies is still ripping off individuals. A criminal mind is a criminal mind. You are just a ... less efficient Bernie Madoff.

[...] [...]

[...] [...]

First off, I’d like to thank everyone out there for their kind comments, and CNN, for giving me the opportunity to respond to them. I’m glad to see, that many of CNN‘s viewers, share my thoughts on Bernard Madoff being an “Economic Terrorist,” and is deserving of the sentence he was given.

Although my own past crimes are nothing to be proud of, keep in mind, that I served my time and repaid my debt to society. And after reading the numerous comments, negative and positive left by viewers in regards to my June 30, 2009 appearance on CNN, I think it’s necessary that I respond to clear the air on several issues that were addressed.

First off, one comment was left by a viewer named Joseph, where he calls me a clown and claims that he served time with me in the 80’s, and that I didn’t know what I was talking about, because the prison he was in had swimming pools and putting greens. I guess since Joseph did his time so long ago, he’s living in the past, because Federal Prisons no longer have swimming pools or putting greens, and the free weights are being eliminated, in favor of exercise machines promoting cardio workout. Since I entered the Federal prison system in 1998, and wasn’t released until 2007, Joseph obviously have me confused with someone else and lacks an understanding of what I really do.

Other comments were left by well meaning people who’ve probably never served one day on the inside, inferring that I didn’t know what I was talking about, because due to Madoff’s age and health condition he’d only do a short period of time in Medium and then be sent to a camp. Wrong, people with 10 years and under go to camp,11-20 years to a low, and over 20 to a medium. Due to the amount of time Madoff got, he’s a FLIGHT RISK, and there’s no way he’d ever end up in a low, until lets say, the year 2120. But then again, they say the rich live longer, so maybe he will end up there one day. As I said on the air, Medium prisons are dangerous places, so if you think they’re not, perhaps you’d like to spend some time in one.

Andy said: Levine never did any hard time. Really Andy, I don’t remember you being on the inside with me. Perhaps it’s your understanding that the institutions I went to were a cake walk. Each prison, although they operate under the same policies, has it’s upside and downsides and are run completely differently. I can certainly say, that I did my fair share of “hard time,” and perhaps you can relate to everyone the basis of your comments as I find them lacking any foundation. In addition, I challenge you to come forward with one person that was scammed as a result of my crimes, and your comments about lawyers knowing about what it’s like on the inside are the most ridiculous at all. Unless you’ve lived it 24/7, and lawyers have not, they’re in no position whatsoever to handout advise. Funny, all of my clients all tell me the same thing, “that my lawyer doesn’t have a clue what
going to happen to me“. And your comments about going to BOP.gov are correct, the only thing is, the average person reading them don’t have a clue what the website’s all about. Sure they list policy, but as anyone who has done time will tell you, the BOP rarely follows its own policy. So, what I tell my clients is, not what should happen, BUT WHAT REALLY HAPPENS!

Since it seems to be the topic of so much controversy, I’d like to address my own crimes and what my consulting business is all about.

To begin with, drugs are dangerous and those that sell them need to be held accountable. While in fact, I did sell drugs, they were controlled buys made between me and the DEA after being set up by a fellow criminal to save himself from his own crimes, so in fact, the drugs I sold didn’t hurt anyone.

I've been shot at, stabbed, survived prison riots, worked with O C figures, and been involved in things people have only seen on make believe T.V. and you know how I came out alive, because of respect, not because of people brown nosing each other. My entire decision to run this business was based on the fact I was tired of seeing people get burned by the system. And believe it or not, there's a lot good people inside, people that were set up by a corrupt system where they had to plead guilty to stuff they didn't do, just so the feds wouldn’t indict there wife or family members. So the next time anyone question my motives, they should thank their lucky stars that there's people like me with the guts to stand up and take on the system when no one else cares.

Just remember:

"A prisoner doesn't shed his constitutional rights at the prison gate."

U.S. SUPREME COURT JUSTICE THURGOOD MARSHALL, Johnson vs. Avery, 393 U.S. 483 (1969)

[...] Ex-con: Bernie won’t be too popular behind bars Going from a Park Avenue luxury apartment to a federal prison is going to be quite a change for Bernard Madoff. He was [...] [...]

[...] feel no justice was served, the mob will remain angry.  And about this article title- please read this CNN interview.  And watch this [...]