Anthony Marshall, the 89 year old son of Brooke Astor, was paroled from prison after serving 8 weeks of a 1 -3 year sentence for stealing millions from his socialite mother when she was suffering from Alzheimer's. Mr. Marshall’s health problems include Parkinson’s disease and congestive heart failure. His lawyers said recently that he could not walk, stand, clean himself or dress himself and had potentially life-threatening swallowing issues. One of the issues for Mr. Marshall was whether he should have been incarcerated at all given his age.
Estate planning lessons?
I am not really certain. Stealing from a disabled mom is obviously a bad idea and is subject to punishment. Beyond that? Incarcerating an 89 year old seems unwise although given the amounts involved it was probably necessary. The early release seems humane. If Egypt can release former president Mubarak this week, NY can certainly release Mr. Marshall.
