Bernie Madoff Asks Trump to Reduce His 150-Year Prison Sentence

History-making Ponzi schemer, at 81, seeks release, not pardon
‘That’s hilarious,’ says lawyer who helped prosecute financier

Madoff Was a Sociopath Who Wouldn't Succeed Today, SIPC CEO Says

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By Gerald Porter Jr. and Erik Larson

July 24, 2019 at 5:07 PM UTC

Updated on

July 24, 2019 at 9:53 PM UTC

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Bernard Madoff asked President Donald Trump to shorten his 150-year prison sentence, effectively seeking to finish his life in freedom after running the biggest Ponzi scheme in U.S. history.

Madoff, 81, filed the request with the Justice Department, whose website lists no filing date. He is asking for a reduced sentence rather than a pardon.