Saga to end Monday for Madoff, but pain is just beginning for many cash-strapped victims

Pain continues for cash-strapped Madoff victims

NEW YORK — Bernard Madoff will learn Monday whether he will spend the rest of his life in prison.

But for thousands of his victims, the pain of wondering what the future holds is only beginning.

Madoff’s fraud wiped out thousands of people around the globe, and not all of them were Palm Beach millionaires. A sizable roster of middle-class folks are among the victims, including public school teachers, farmers and mechanics.

Many are now are struggling to pay their bills. Some of his victims say they would like to see the rules loosened for an investor protection group that is compensating some of his defrauded clients.

Prosecutors want 71-year-old Madoff sentenced to 150 years in jail. His lawyer has proposed a 12-year sentence.