Meet Bernie Madoff's New Pals
After pleading guilty to his $50 billion fraud, Ponzi schemer Bernie Madoff is headed for jail. Which jail? Probably the federal prison in Otisville, N.Y., where he'll have the chance to meet new friends!
Otisville, legal experts consulted by Esquire say, is the most likely destination for a notorious criminal like Madoff, for whom prosecutors are seeking a life sentence and $170 billion in restitution. (Good luck collecting on that!)
Madoff's fraud succeeded as long as it did because of his ability to charm Jews at Manhattans' Fifth Avenue Synagogue, in Palm Beach, and in similar social circles around the world. (Fun fact: the destination of choice for Jewish white-collar criminals like ImClone's Sam Waksal and financier Martin Frankel, Otisville is one of the few federal prisons to have a Jewish chaplain, kosher kitchen and Passover Seder.) So who's to say he won't finagle packs of cigarettes from his cellmates by promising them a guaranteed return of two cancer sticks a month? Here are some potential bunkmates Madoff who have taken to the Internet in search of friendship:
Troy Kosse
According to his personal ad:
I do a lot of writing, having completed one book just recently. I also write poems which are more like versifications on subjects like reality, truth & fear. My interests and hobbies are limited by my circumstances though I study different spiritual practices and beliefs rather than established religions. Music, sports and fitness are some others.
Raul Ortiz
"Gangster's need love too. I love to draw, listen to all kinds of music and love to dance."
Eric Mason
Could be just the friend Bernie needs!
Well, let me start by saying that this is all new to me, but I'm not opposed to trying new things and I hope you're not because I feel I can be a new and fresh breath of air to a friend's life!
Jeffrey Stearns
Won't need Madoff's investing advice! "I am financially ok."
Jerry Fantauzzi
"My favorite thing to do is ride my Harley's and work on my bikes."
David Lilly
Or rather, "D-Wild," as Lilly prefers to be known.