Madoff's Apartment Gets Changing of the Guard

Mary Thompson
CNBC Reporter

As Bernard Madoff awaits his fate inside his Manhattan penthouse, he is getting a new crew to keep him safe.

In an email to CNBC, Madoff's attorney Ike Sorkin confirmed a new security firm will be protecting and monitoring the 70 year old Madoff.

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Sorkin told CNBC Casale Associates is being replaced by Stroz Friedberg. While Casale's expertise was initially need to set up and develop a security plan, Stroz Friedberg is better equipped to handle the second phase which includes conducting inventories of Madoff's properties. People close to the situation also point out Stroz Friedberg's expertise in electronic surveillance is better suited for this stage of Madoff's detention.

A judge has to grant the final OK, but given both parties appear to agree to the change it is likely to be approved.

In December Madoff confessed to running what he said was a $50 billion dollar Ponzi scheme. Charged with securities fraud, Madoff's been kept under house arrest in his apartment on East 65th Street in New York City, free on a $10 million dollars bail.

In other Madoff news, Lee Richards of Richards Kibbe & Orbe confirmed to CNBC the court granted a 30 day extension for his firm to provide the SEC with a list of assets held by Madoff Securities International. Richards is serving as trustee for Madoff's U.K.-based business. The list was supposed to be submitted to the SEC in a non-public filing on January 26th. It is now due to be filed by February 23rd.

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