Madoff assaulted in prison row, inmates say
Bernard Madoff, who is serving a 150-year sentence in North Carolina for running a fraud scheme that cost investors billions of dollars, was physically assaulted by another inmate in December, according to three people familiar with the matter.
After the attack, Madoff, 71, who pleaded guilty a year ago and was sent to a federal prison in Butner, N.C., was moved on Dec. 18 to the prison's low-security medical center for treatment. At the time, the Bureau of Prisons said that rumors of an assault were false and that Madoff suffered from dizziness and hypertension.
Madoff was treated for a broken nose, fractured ribs and cuts to his head and face, according to a felon at Butner serving time on drug charges who was familiar with Madoff's condition at the time. The details of the injuries couldn't be independently verified.
Another inmate who recently was released from Butner also confirmed the assault, as did a third person. The former inmate said the dispute centered on money the assailant, serving time for a drug conviction, thought Madoff owed him.
The Bureau of Prisons said it investigated the incident, which included an interview with Madoff.
"We have no knowledge or information to confirm he was assaulted," said Denise Simmons, a prison spokeswoman.
Sarra Sounds Off Ep. 35: EI baseball, girls lacrosse and plays of the week On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse.
Sarra Sounds Off Ep. 35: EI baseball, girls lacrosse and plays of the week On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse.
