In Their Forgotten Words: A Content Analysis of Bernie Madoff’s Victims

• In Event: Perspectives on Financial Crime

Abstract

Many victims of financial crime report feeling like they have been forgotten. With much of the attention being paid to violent crime victimization, the criminal justice system should also consider that victims of financial crimes may have different experiences than victims of violent crime. This study examines the formal and informal statements from victims as reported to the courts during the criminal trial of Bernie Madoff. These statements include recommendations for sentencing and forfeiture, requests to be heard in court, and descriptions of the harms they have experienced. We review the different types of losses felt by the victims, as well as their views of the perpetrator. This research will present the feelings and thoughts of financial crime victims and provide potential avenues to explore that would help victims not feel forgotten.

Authors

• Emily Homer, Texas A&M University - Commerce

• Caroline I. Jalain, University of Southern Indiana

• Kaitlyn B. Hoover, Florida State University