Why is Madoff still free while lesser criminals are all in jail?

Madoff is awaiting trial or a plea bargain. Since he is 70 years old and under house confinement at his apartment, he represents no appreciable flight risk and is not a threat to commit a violent crime. Reading between the lines, I think he must be providing the various law enforcement arms some actionable information in collecting evidence on potential co-defendants. As to the negative Jewish commentary, I have read that most of the fund investors who lost large to their entire savings were Jewish people and Jewish charities. I really think the bail conditions of the court are within the norms of reason. I understand your frustration over the court's handling of this case; but, a U.S. District Ct. judge has the power of a monarch. We do not have a judge who is seeking reelection; therefore, I think the court action is balanced between protecting the public and promoting disclosure of further evidence of other participants. I would be reluctant to implicate anyone beyond Madoff until all the cards are on the table.

It seems he was the former head of NASDAQ and his wife and his employees were all insiders at all the top Wall Street firms and banks at one point or another.

No one believes this guy acted alone.

My consipiracy theory is that Madoff and his fellow family and firm of crooks simply have too much dirt on those who would prosecute them. They must have seen something that is a serious threat to the system to still have soooo much of their illegal wealth while their victims are empty handed. My vote is not money, but blackmail.

If you or I were put in jail, I don't think we'd have like ten million for bail money. That is the simple fact. The court may have even thought he could not come up with it.

This whole thing is terrible. Not only ripping off individual people, but charities as well.

You mention other people in his family, I wonder if anybody else in his circle could be accused of anything, too?

It will not be easy for him when he goes to prison, when inmates who were in jail waiting to go on trial find out he was in a multi-million dollar penthouse 'wasting away' while awaiting trial.

Just goes to show that there are 2 different justice systems in US. I find this disgusting. Now, his lawyer is arguing that 60 million was his wife and should not be forfeited. They should put him in a gymnasium with all the folks he ripped off, and let the "chips" fall where they may. Have a nice day.

moolah, lucre, cash, liquid assets,

money, lucre, cash, liquid assets these help smooth the way to freedom.