The massive Ponzi scheme run by Bernard Madoff earned him 150 years in prison. The decision, handed down this morning by U.S. District Judge Denny Chin, was the maximum punishment allowed.

“Here the message must be sent that Mr. Madoff’s crimes were extraordinarily evil and that this kind of manipulation of the system is not just a bloodless crime that takes place on paper, but one instead that takes a staggering toll,” said Chin.

The massive Ponzi scheme Madoff was running had been in effect since the early 1990’s. He unmercifully stole the life savings of thousands of people, and even charities, in a display of greed so grandiose, that he earned himself the maximum punishment possible…“A term comparable only to those given in the past to terrorists, traitors and the most violent criminals.”

“The sentence reflected a growing tendency over the last decade to give white-collar criminals lengthy prison terms. But nothing before has come close to the time given Madoff — an outcome that prompted scattered applause and whoops from a group of burned former clients in a packed Manhattan courtroom.”

“The judge noted that not one of the more than 100 letters he received supported Madoff or described any good deeds he had done.”

“The absence of such support is telling,” Chin said.

Madoff reportedly  showed no emotion as he listened to his victims speak of their anger and despair for nearly an hour. Some openly wept, and some became angered.

“He stole from the rich. He stole from the poor. He stole from the in between. He had no values,” said Tom Fitzmaurice. “He cheated his victims out of their money so he and his wife Ruth could live a life of luxury beyond belief.”

After he was asked by a judge if he had anything to say, Madoff rose slowly and spoke in a monotone manner for close to 10 minutes.

“I will turn and face you,” he said mechanically. “I’m sorry. I know that doesn’t help you.”

Sorry isn’t going to do it Mr. Madoff. In one of our countries most tumultuous financial times, you have contributed to the bad side, which leaves everyday Americans scared to invest money at a time when it is exactly what we need.

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