Pharma Bro has been sentenced to jail. And the world is much better for it.
On Wednesday, a U.S. judge revoked Martin Shkreli’s $5 million bond after he offered $5,000 to anyone who retrieved some of Hillary Clinton’s hair. According to the Washington Post, prosecutors said the stunt was just the latest example of how the former pharmaceutical CEO is a "danger to the public." Judge Kiyo Matsumoto agreed.
"The fact that he continues to remain unaware ... of the inappropriateness of his actions or words demonstrates to me he may be an ongoing danger, or risk to the community," Matsumoto said. "I’m going to remand Mr. Shkreli."
Shkreli’s attorney Benjamin Brafman tried to convince the judge to reconsider and admitted the post was “stupid” but should be protected by free speech.
"This is a solicitation of assault in exchange for money," the judge responded. "That is not protected by the First Amendment."
A day before his jail sentence, Shkreli issued an apology letter to the court. He said he used poor judgment and never intended to promote violence toward the former Secretary Clinton.
"Within minutes of posting my remarks about Mrs. Clinton's hair, I posted quite clearly that I was absolutely 'not' encouraging anyone to assault anyone. It never occurred to me that my awkward attempt at humor or satire would cause Mrs. Clinton or the Secret Service any distress," the letter read. "I want to assure Your Honor that I am not a violent person, have never personally engaged in any violent behavior, nor have I ever intentionally encouraged anyone to do so. I apologize for my behavior and ask you respectfully not to change my bail status so that I may continue to assist my attorneys in preparing for my sentencing."
Shkreli is now awaiting sentencing for a securities fraud conviction. If convicted, he will face up to 20 years in prison.
