Feds to ask for leniency for Madoff’s former chief aide, citing his cooperation in probe

Feds want leniency for Madoff’s former chief aide

NEW YORK — A man who helped Wall Street swindler Bernard Madoff steal billions of dollars has earned himself friends in the Justice Department.

In a letter made public Friday, federal prosecutors said Madoff’s former chief aide Frank DiPascali had provided “substantial assistance” to investigators.

They said they anticipated writing an “extraordinary” letter recommending leniency when he is sentenced for crimes including securities fraud and money laundering.

The memo to the judge was initially written in December but remained sealed until Friday.

Sections of the letter describing DiPascali’s cooperation are still secret.

DiPascali pleaded guilty in August to helping Madoff implement his massive Ponzi scheme. DiPascali’s bail had been set at $10 million.