[gusunsuth]

By COLLEEN LONG, Associated Press Colleen Long, Associated Press – 1 hr 9 mins ago

NEW YORK – The eldest son of disgraced financier Bernard Madoff hanged himself by a dog leash in his apartment Saturday after two years of "unrelenting pressure" following his father's arrest in a multibillion-dollar fraud that enveloped the entire family, law enforcement officials and a family attorney said.

Mark Madoff was found hanging from a ceiling pipe in the living room of his SoHo loft apartment on Saturday, the second anniversary of Madoff's arrest in a multibillion-dollar Ponzi scheme that swindled thousands of investors of their life savings, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press. His 2-year-old son was sleeping in the next bedroom, the officials said.

Mark Madoff, who reported his father to authorities the day after he confessed his fraud to them, has never been criminally charged in the investigation that has snared a half-dozen Madoff employees. He and his brother Andrew have said they were unaware of their father's crimes. But they have been remained under investigation and been named in multiple investor lawsuits.

Mark Madoff's lawyer, Martin Flumenbaum, said the 46-year-old had taken his own life Saturday.

"This is a terrible and unnecessary tragedy," Flumenbaum said in a written statement. "Mark was an innocent victim of his father's monstrous crime who succumbed to two years of unrelenting pressure from false accusations and innuendo."

The law enforcement officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly about the death, said that Mark Madoff's wife Stephanie, who is in Florida with another son, became concerned about her husband after he sent an e-mail to her Friday night or early Saturday morning that someone should check on the 2-year-old child with him.

She asked her father to check on the home, where he found Madoff's body; the child was sleeping in a bedroom unharmed. A dog was also found in the apartment, the officials said.

Bernard Madoff, 72, swindled a long list of investors out of billions of dollars. He admitted that he ran his scheme for at least two decades, cheating thousands of individuals, charities, celebrities and institutional investors. Losses are estimated at around $20 billion, making it the biggest investment fraud in U.S. history.

He was arrested on Dec. 11, 2008, after confessing his crimes to his family.

The scandal put a harsh light on members of the family. The financier's brother, Peter, played a prominent role in the family's company. Mark and Andrew Madoff both worked on a trading desk at the firm, on a side of the business that wasn't directly involved in the Ponzi scheme.

In February, Mark Madoff's wife petitioned a court to change her last name and the last names of their two children, saying her family had gotten threats and was humiliated by the scandal.

A year ago, the court-appointed trustee trying to unravel Madoff's financial affairs sued several relatives, including Peter, Mark and Andrew, accusing them of failing to detect the fraud while living lavish lifestyles financed with the family's ill-gotten fortune.

The lawsuit accused Mark Madoff of using $66 million he received improperly to buy luxury homes in New York City, Nantucket and Connecticut.

A call to Bernard Madoff's attorney was not immediately returned Saturday. Calls to the FBI and U.S. Attorney's office were also not immediately returned. Previously, spokespeople for the brothers had repeatedly denied that they had any knowledge of their father's crimes.

Bernard Madoff is serving a 150-year prison sentence in North Carolina after admitting the fraud in late 2008 to his family and later the FBI. Bureau of Prisons spokeswoman Traci Billingsley said Saturday she didn't have specific information on whether Bernie Madoff had been informed of his son's death or would be allowed to attend a service. In general, she said, inmates are informed of a relative's death as soon as the institution is made aware of it and the bureau does allow furloughs for prisoners to attend memorial services.

A police officer stood guard in the lobby of Madoff's 12-story luxury loft apartment in SoHo Saturday morning. An official from the medical examiner's office arrived in a van Saturday morning. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death.

[AndyColemants]

Couldn't have happened to a better guy. Actually, it could happen a lot on Wall Street and would be a good step to reining them in.

[zdoppiklonikaa]

One less scumbag...

Merry Christmas!

[Ngwkgczx]

One less scumbag...

Merry Christmas!

God Bless Us Everyone.

[spacecrafty]

Proof positive that the elite class would rather die, than relinquish their status in the world.

What makes scumbag senior's actions most heinous, is that he took monies from charitable organizations, without hesitation.

Knowing he was going to devastate the coffers of orgs. that helped those in need, was of no consequence to him.

Proving this kid knew what his father was up to is probably impossible.

I'm sure he knew he'd lose the plethora of lawsuits against him, or go broke defending himself.

[agildeta]

was he involved in the ponzi scheme as well ?

[RilmAlime67]

was he involved in the ponzi scheme as well ?

Worked for/with his father, but proving he knew the particulars is hard to do.

[Frogzlovzy]

It was pretty selfish of him to commit suicide with his 2 year old kid sleeping in the other room.

There is also speculation that he was actually killed and set it up to look like suicide.

I dont believe that no one in the family knew what was going on..... how can you work in a family business and not understand how it is ran? They knew but let daddy take the fall. If I remember right, this was the son that turned Bernie in.

[Kubasarika]

It was pretty selfish of him to commit suicide with his 2 year old kid sleeping in the other room.

There is also speculation that he was actually killed and set it up to look like suicide.

I dont believe that no one in the family knew what was going on..... how can you work in a family business and not understand how it is ran? They knew but let daddy take the fall. If I remember right, this was the son that turned Bernie in.

Dad confided in him, and I guess it was inevitable that they were cooked.

Madoff claimed to be doing all of his investing in foreign markets....making it harder to trace what he was doing to give unbelievable ROI to his clients for all those years.

They were 'on' to him....but Wall St. was all about thievery, and rape.

[prmwsinfo]

One less scumbag...

Merry Christmas!

Couldn't have happened to a better guy. Actually, it could happen a lot on Wall Street and would be a good step to reining them in.

God Bless Us Everyone.

Pretty sick you guys.

You do realize that he was the one who turned in his own father.....right?

And you're happy he couldn't stand the strain knowing that his honor and integrity were more important, than his father being arrested and shamed forever?

You all should be ashamed of yourselves.

You also need to step back and ask what is it that is driving this kind of hate.


.

[jojocomok]

Pretty sick you guys.

You do realize that he was the one who turned in his own father.....right?

When it was apparent that the whole scheme was going to collapse, Bernie told his sons to turn him in so they could get away with it. He was complicit, entirely.




And you're happy he couldn't stand the strain knowing that his honor and integrity were more important, than his father being arrested and shamed forever? No shame about the people they bilked that committed suicide? No shame about the charities they ripped off? They had no shame for the misery they caused. I notice the sons didn't give any of their money back.



You all should be ashamed of yourselves.
Seems he was ashamed enough for all of us.


You also need to step back and ask what is it that is driving this kind of hate.


. How about thirty years of class warfare by the rich against the rest of the nation. And don't misunderstand me, when I say rich I don't mean some schlub making a million or two a year.




!

[Dstyeglm]

Pretty sick you guys.

You do realize that he was the one who turned in his own father.....right?

And you're happy he couldn't stand the strain knowing that his honor and integrity were more important, than his father being arrested and shamed forever?

You all should be ashamed of yourselves.

You also need to step back and ask what is it that is driving this kind of hate.


.

Yes, I'm aware he turned his dad in. I'm also aware that he lived a sumptuous life off ill gotten gains.

You always assume you're here to 'educate' everyone here.

I don't "need" to do anything. I have no problem admitting to my revulsion of all things greed-motivated, which includes this scumbag who knew the walls would eventually close in on him. Good riddance. Yeah, I'm "sick" that way.

You ought to embarrassed by your own arrogance. Oh, that's right - the arrogance prevents that.

Now go suck up to your pal Eman - you need to maintain the "integrity" of that relationship here....

[Rupeviv]

When it was apparent that the whole scheme was going to collapse, Bernie told his sons to turn him in so they could get away with it. He was complicit, entirely.

Proof?


No shame about the people they bilked that committed suicide? No shame about the charities they ripped off? They had no shame for the misery they caused. For Bernie?

Ya damn right I'm disgusted with him.


I notice the sons didn't give any of their money back. Sure they knew their Dad was rich as hell, but a lot of pretty savvy investors were taken.

Why do you think his sons would know how it was being done?


How about thirty years of class warfare by the rich against the rest of the nation. And don't misunderstand me, when I say rich I don't mean some schlub making a million or two a year. This wasn't about those people.

It was a bout a son who hung himself because he turned his father in.

Even if it was Bernie himself, taking joy in others misery......... is really bad karma.

.

[ElcinBoris]

Yes, I'm aware he turned his dad in. I'm also aware that he lived a sumptuous life off ill gotten gains.

You always assume you're here to 'educate' everyone here.

I'm not here to "educate."

I thought I came here to have civil discussions...... on a plethora of subjects.

I have noticed however, that you (just like a few on the right).......prefer to spew your hate and vitriol.

Why do you feel the need for that?


You ought to embarrassed by your own arrogance. Oh, that's right - the arrogance prevents that. Oh that's pretty funny.

Apparently you have failed at that other site, so see the need to come over here and take it out on anyone who you disagree with.

The funny thing is, you and Wayers are two sides of the same coin.

You would make a great couple.

.

[milfovoxapl]

I'm not here to "educate."

I thought I came here to have civil discussions...... on a plethora of subjects.

I have noticed however, that you (just like a few on the right).......prefer to spew your hate and vitriol.

Why do you feel the need for that?


Oh that's pretty funny.

Apparently you have failed at that other site, so see the need to come over here and take it out on anyone who you disagree with.

The funny thing is, you and Wayers are two sides of the same coin.

You would make a great couple.

.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Now go find Eman and find some reason to give him the benefit of the doubt despite his idiocy. You need that friendship, Gandy.

[qQVXpYM6]

I'm not here to "educate."

I thought I came here to have civil discussions...... on a plethora of subjects.

I have noticed however, that you (just like a few on the right).......prefer to spew your hate and vitriol.

Why do you feel the need for that?


Oh that's pretty funny.

Apparently you have failed at that other site, so see the need to come over here and take it out on anyone who you disagree with.

The funny thing is, you and Wayers are two sides of the same coin.

You would make a great couple.

.

actually I think you and PR would be a great couple, you only receive from me what you give

[PolPitasc]

I'm not here to "educate."

I thought I came here to have civil discussions...... on a plethora of subjects.

I have noticed however, that you (just like a few on the right).......prefer to spew your hate and vitriol.

Why do you feel the need for that?


.

That's what you came here for. Many of us have as well.

You've got the nice life, and unlike Trinnity, I'm very happy for you. I don't hold the animus toward you that she does, solely because you're 'living the dream'.


However....we each have our own perspective. From what I've read, you spent most of your life in Alaska.

Now, you're in Fla.

Two states that don't particularly concern themselves with taking care of freeloaders.

How can you have the same feelings about social programs that I can?

How can you have the same feelings about the burden of paying for education, if your home states don't have the same budget flaws that mine does?


It's all very subjective. Do you know anyone, or have relatives that were affected by Madoff? I do.

Do you know anyone, or have relatives that were in the towers on 9/11?

I do.


We each have our own reality here, and the topics we discuss bring out the best, and the worst in us.


Consider yourself lucky that you can remain so lighthearted in these discussions.


It's good to be happy.

And I'm truly happy for you

[Dabdklwu]

Two states that don't particularly concern themselves with taking care of freeloaders.

I don't know about that.

How can you have the same feelings about social programs that I can? Which are?

I believe that we, as a civilized nation, need to take care of those who require it. I think the number of families in poverty is despicable and maybe the worst are those who are in the category of "working poor." To have jobs and yet can't even maintain a basic standard of living... is reprehensible.

As to those who just milk the system and use it to avoid working and contributing, I have no use.

Now how do your views differ?


How can you have the same feelings about the burden of paying for education, if your home states don't have the same budget flaws that mine does? Please explain.

You don't think that we as a a society should ensure that our educational system is borne by all?



It's all very subjective. Do you know anyone, or have relatives that were affected by Madoff? I do.

Do you know anyone, or have relatives that were in the towers on 9/11? Neither.

I do have relatives that have declared bankruptcy due to health issue.

Regardless, why does that give either of us the right to treat others the way folks around here treat each other?


We each have our own reality here, and the topics we discuss bring out the best, and the worst in us. I've seen a whole lot of "worse."

Haven't seen a whole lot of "better."

Bottom line to me, the continued demonization of those who don't share our ideologies or views....will NOT bode well for the future of this nation.

Vigorous debate and honest disagreement...... is one thing.

The outright venom and hatred constantly being shown.... is another.


.

[lrUyiva1]

I don't know about that.

I do....compared to NY.

Which are?

I believe that we, as a civilized nation, need to take care of those who require it. I think the number of families in poverty is despicable and maybe the worst are those who are in the category of "working poor." To have jobs and yet can't even maintain a basic standard of living... is reprehensible. Lumping those in poverty in with working poor is understandable, but two separate issues. The 'War On Poverty' served to increase poverty, not eradicate it.

Doesn't mean it wasn't a noble idea, it was just piss poor implementation.

As to those who just milk the system and use it to avoid working and contributing, I have no use. Fantastic, but they exist nonthess. And they are growing geometrically.



Now how do your views differ? They don't differ all that much...if at all. My point to you in this thread, is that we members are subjected to issues at different levels. You could bitch about it being cold in Fla, because it's 30 degrees.

Meanwhile, it's 2 degrees here. Likewise for me bitching about 80 degree heat where I am. Everything is relative.

I'll expand more below.

Please explain.

You don't think that we as a a society should ensure that our educational system is borne by all?
Yet...it isn't. Far and away, it's borne by property owners. Since the Iraq Genocide started, the pittance that the Feds. contribute to states' education (with strings attached) has dried up, leaving our tax bill to bloat every year.

Now...up here, we have schools in every town, and our taxes reflect that. Down South, where taxes are about 1/5 of mine, kids ride for an hour or more to get to the nearest school.

Again...we aren't all joining these discussions from the same starting point.


I do have relatives that have declared bankruptcy due to health issue. Whereas a discussion about flaws in the HC system would bring out these feelings in you....people who are directly affected by Madoff would espouse severe hatred toward that piece of crap.

And that's how this discussion started. You don't understand how people can show such hate.

Different issues conjure up different levels of 'enthusiasm' in members here.

Couple that with the casual tossing around of bullshit talking points in a discussion that some hold dear....and you have a recipe for vitriolic posts



Regardless, why does that give either of us the right to treat others the way folks around here treat each other? People tend to give what they get. When I was new to message boards, I was amazed at what I saw being posted. I guess I got used to it.

It's a political board. I'm on gardening boards, where rainbows are in the sky, and birds are always singing.
I've seen a whole lot of "worse."

Haven't seen a whole lot of "better."
Kids will be kids.
Bottom line to me, the continued demonization of those who don't share our ideologies or views....will NOT bode well for the future of this nation.

Vigorous debate and honest disagreement...... is one thing.

The outright venom and hatred constantly being shown.... is another.


. Whereas I've often referred to these boards as a microcosm of our nation...I don't particularly think that anything we say here has a direct affect on said nation.

What tends to happen, is that a topic that one holds dear, is littered with Fox News talking points. It doesn't aid in getting to the crux of the issue, and the threads devolve from there.

It will never change, especially when you see responses like

"I don't do homework, just because you tell me to"

" I don't have to provide links, just because you say so"



It isn't serious discussion, if one side refuses to have a discussion.


You have the right to judge others for their style here, but it won't change anything.


Many of us have 5+ years of posting with the same members. We know each other pretty well.

[Kokomoxddcvcv]

Pretty sick you guys.

You do realize that he was the one who turned in his own father.....right?

And you're happy he couldn't stand the strain knowing that his honor and integrity were more important, than his father being arrested and shamed forever?

You all should be ashamed of yourselves.

You also need to step back and ask what is it that is driving this kind of hate.


.

We're simpatico here. It's revolting to celebrate anyone's death/illness regardless of their politics.