Category Archives: Wall Street

Is it all about the money, money, money???

Another day, another dollar? Well, not so fast when it comes to white-collar crime. Yet, money does appear to be the motive in many of the murder cases that are capturing our attention right now. This may seem an odd position, but having lived and worked with all types of offenders, money is rarely the motive for crimes that on first look appear to be crimes of financial greed. Think Mike Milken, Martha Stewart and the current case of Raj Rajaratnam. These people have been convicted of financial crimes, yet absolutely did not need the money. In many of these cases it’s more about the arrogance and entitlement.

But, in many current cases like Conrad Murray, Robert Ward and Gary Giordano do appear to be about the MONEY. These three are yet to be convicted but money is for sure in play. With Conrad Murray there is no doubt that he let things go way too far with Michael Jackson because he was being paid $150,000 a month! In the case of Florida ‘millionaire” Ward, it seems his now dead wife was about to testify in a financial case against him and spill secrets that could hurt him. And in the case of Giordano there is that little matter of the “travel insurance” policy taken out on missing Robyn Gardner.

So, can money troubles spell MURDER? Absolutely. While money may not cause one to commit murder, it sure can help people make some extra cash. Just look at the Casey Anthony case and the people surrounding the aftermath. Jose Baez, Cindy and George Anthony and probably Lee Anthony are all looking to cash in. Skeptical? Why else would the Anthony parents go on Dr. Phil and why oh why is Baez “representing” Giordano?

I firmly believe that change is possible in most cases. But, when money is the motive it is very hard to learn that lesson. And, add in the media and we have the crime du jour-fame game greed.

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Filed under Casey Anthony, casey anthony. jose baez, cindy anthony, Conrad Murray, George Anthony, Tot mom, Wall Street

What’s Federal Prison Like on July 4- Freedom day???

Have you ever wondered what prison is like on Independence Day?  Ironic, as prison is a place you earn your way to by choosing to give up your freedom. Independence what? The truth is that in the Federal Prison system- the BOP- Bureau of Prison’s- puts it’s best self forward as they do on all holidays. This means card tournaments, sports events, movies and special meals. All with prizes. Yep, prizes. Why? Because prison is supposed to be for paying your debt to society and rehabilitation. The fact is that most people in prison in the U.S. are coming home and most in less than 5 years. So, a little perk here and there does serve a purpose and make inmates feel more like people. People they will one day need to be as they re-enter society.

Of course, I was in a Federal Prison Camp- a la Martha StewartSteve Madden and Mike Milken, but the BOP strives to make all Federal Prisons more tolerable on holidays. So, even Bernie Madoff will be living it up this Fourth of July weekend. Next year Blago will be as well.

The fact is that most inmates appreciate these “perks” and holidays are hard. The Fourth of July and the celebration of freedom is a tough concept to deal with in prison. That’s why most choose not to think and reflect about their choices and the consequences. Those who end up in prison in  the United States have made a choice in most cases. It’s that choice that is hard to accept and why some people keep making the wrong ones. For those I say get an Incarcervention. For others, remember we live in the land of the free and change is possible.

But, I urge all of us- even those who have FREEDOM, to sit back and show gratitude. We do live in the land of the FREE. Happy July 4!!

Follow me on twitter @incarcervention

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Filed under Barry Bonds, Blago, Cameron Douglas, Casey Anthony, criminal justice, Federal Prison, financial fraud, Fourth of July in prison, incarcervention, jail, prison coaching, prison preparation, prison re entry, raj rajaratnum, rapper T.I., restorative justice, Tot mom, visiting parents in prison, Wall Street, women in prison

Wall Street Gone Wild- Otherwise known as insider trading!!!

UPDATE!!
ZVI GOFFER SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS…RAJ LOOK OUT

 

Another day, another round of guilty verdicts for Wall Street Bigs. Last month saw the conviction of Raj Rajaratnum, and today we have the conviction of three more heavyweights; Zvi Goffer, Emanuel Goffer and Michael Kimelman. They are all free on bail while awaiting sentencing. Ahhh Wall Street, the land of enablers!

Rajaratnam, the founder of the Galleon Group, was once Goffer’s boss. The Galleon investigation is the largest ever of insider trading in the hedge fund industry.

All of these men are now looking at lengthy prison sentences. The other thing they have in common is the fact that unlike most white-collar defendants, they did not strike a plea agreement. Instead, they opted to actually go to trial. Can you spell delusional? In fact, over 93% of all Federal criminal cases result in guilty pleas and of those, over 83% serve prison time. Not great odds, right?

It’s too bad that we cannot charge the guys for all of the money wasted on “investigating” this mess. Think about it, this money could be well spent to help all of the men and women in prison for years on small drug crimes when they really need rehab. I am not saying that the Wall Street bigs cannot learn from this, but so far all they have done is cost the taxpayers money on long trials and what are yet to be filed appeals.

Wall Street, good for business if you are a prison coach but now is the time for The Street to get real. This insider suggests that the major firms start to clean up their acts and learn from all of this. I say this with the best of insider knowledge and intentions. At some point we all have to take responsibility for our actions and turn our talents to good, not greed.

Believe me, change IS possible, but it takes hard work. Boys, call anytime you need some prison prep inside info. Don’t worry; I won’t mark my fee up like you did.

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Filed under bail, Criminal Justice, Federal Prison, financial fraud, Goldman Sachs, insider trading, prison coaching, prison consultant, prison preparation, prison re entry, raj rajaratnum, rehab, Restoratice Justice, success after prison, Wall Street

Rajer that!!!

Insider trader Raj Rajaratnam looks to be really going inside this time. Inside Federal prison that is. Raj was convicted on all 14 counts of securities fraud and conspiracy. This after failing to step up and accept a guilty plea that would have surely lessened the prison sentence that now is looming. Raj even spent over $40 million on his defense.

That is he spent $40 million while costing taxpayers several more millions for the investigation and trial. SO, at the end of the day what’s Raj to do and what does his family face? For me I look at how Raj can prepare for prison and that means helping his family prepare. But, how can you prepare somebody so grandiose and egocentric? Speaking from experience it can be done. Soon Raj will be living for probably at least 10 years in a large dormitory on the top bunk with guys from all walks of life. He will have to learn humility just to get along with these guys and the staff!

His family is another story. They now have the task of preparing to live without their husband and the father to three daughters. Sad that his greed has led him to this point and even sadder that he seems to not want to accept any responsibility. Maybe at sentencing we will see a sob story while he asks the Judge for mercy. Here is a prime example of Wall Street gone wild. Raj made plenty of money the legit way, he just pushed too far because he could. Or, at least he thought he could.

So, what’s next? I say once again more Wall Street fallout. Wall Street, be afraid, be very afraid but get ready. This insider knows there will be more soon. Change is possible but it takes hard work. Raj, if you are willing to do the work call me. I will set you straight and you will come home better and more focused than you are now while helping others for a change. Start NOW!

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Filed under celebrities, Criminal Justice, Federal Prison, financial fraud, Goldman Sachs, Hedge Funds, insider trading, prison coaching, prison consultant, prison preparation, prison re entry, raj rajaratnum, Restoratice Justice, Wall Street

Wall Street- Do you hear what I hear? The Feds, The Feds…

Months ago I posted a blog titled Goldman Sachs go Directly to Jail. Did that happen? Nope. Not one person has yet to pay a price for the Goldman debacle. Key word is yet. In late November, there were a slew of arrests at major hedge funds as part of a probe in to rampant Insider Trading investigations. Now word is that there is much more to come.

This is not surprising, as insider trading has actually accelerated in recent years. Call it a sign of the times! What is surprising is the “shock” some are showing at the Federal investigations and allegations. I have had numerous calls from Wall Street Honchos afraid that a mass conspiracy was afoot. PLEASE! Anybody who has worked on Wall Street and been the subject of any investigations by the Justice Department or SEC knows that these never come as a surprise. Take it from this insider.

Even Bernie Madoff claimed he never knew what was about to happen to him. Of course he did and so did his family and close conspirators. How would it be possible for a $50 billion arrest to go down so quickly? The wheels of justice turn very slowly. But, they do turn.  U.S. authorities began subpoenaing big name investors in late November as the FBI raided hedge funds in three states. Now, CNBC is reporting that last week Manhattan Federal Prosecutors sent more subpoenas to several large hedge funds.

So, what’s a Wall Street firm to do? They should start talking to their key employees now. This is the time when some humility and strategic positioning is needed. Wall Street has always been a place of survival of the fittest, but that may not work this time. This insider says Wall Street, now is the time to get real and talk about how best to get on with it. Can you spell INCARCERVENTION?

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