When Bernie was convicted the government quickly moved into action, identifying and confiscating any and all assets they could find. As well they should - while under house arrest Bernie tried to smuggle out thousands in jewelry disguised as family gifts. He didn't give a shit if they caught him or not; he knew he was going down. His only motive was to transfer as much to them as he could so they'd be provided for while he took the fall. (Anyone who thinks his wife and sons didn't know what was going on all those years is too kind.)

And now they've gone after Ruthie, who originally claimed $37 million in assets that were untainted by his crimes. Of course she was unable to prove that, since she really didn't have a job outside the home that wasn't Madoff-related, so they grabbed almost everything she has. They let her keep only $2.5 million - a fortune to most, but to a woman used to the lifestyle she has always enjoyed, it's enough to live on for maybe a year or two. None of the "good" buildings on the Upper East Side will rent to her because of her notoriety, and she'd have a hell of a time finding a job. She has been taking the subway lately, though. Maybe we'll see her panhandling in Grand Central some day.