NEW YORK — “Pharma Bro” Martin Shkreli appeared in court Friday for the first time since a judge locked him up for his online antics, hearing the government argue that he’s on the hook for more than $7 million for his securities fraud conviction.
The brash former pharmaceutical CEO had a new look since since his bail was revoked in September: a scruffy beard that made his appearance less boyish. He also was wearing a loose-fitting jail uniform instead of street clothes.
“Under the circumstances, I think he’s doing remarkably well,” his attorney, Ben Brafman, told reporters when asked about his client’s stint in a fortress-like federal jail in Brooklyn.
Shkreli was convicted on charges he cheated investors in two failed hedge funds.
U.S. District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto didn’t immediately rule on the government’s demand that Shkreli should have to forfeit $7.3 million in assets, including a one-of-a-kind Wu-Tang Clan “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” album that he has boasted he bought for $2 million. Prosecutors also want him to give up $5 million in cash in a brokerage account, his interest in a pharmaceutical company and other valuables including a Picasso painting.