Jan. 5 (Bloomberg) — The sons of Bernard Madoff, who is accused of orchestrating a massive Ponzi scheme, alerted prosecutors last week that their father mailed them jewelry, watches, and other items in violation of an asset freeze, his lawyer said.U.S. prosecutors today asked a federal judge to revoke Madoffs bail because he violated the freeze. U.S. Magistrate Judge Ronald Ellis asked for legal briefs by Jan. 7 from the government and from Madoff, who remains free in his Manhattan apartment on a $10 million bond.
Madoff mailed five packages of items, including “some very valuable jewelry,” after his assets were frozen by a judge in a related civil lawsuit, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Litt in court today. Defense lawyer Ira Sorkin said the objects, which included pens and $25 cuff links, were heirlooms innocently sent to Madoffs children and brother, Peter.
“We believe the children brought it to the attention of the government,” Sorkin said in an interview after court. Madoff, 70, was accused last month of directing a $50 billion Ponzi scheme out of his New York investment firm after his sons reported him to prosecutors, according to Martin Flumenbaum, a lawyer for Madoffs sons.