The idea of a drop of blood was supposed to revolutionize the medical industry, but instead it ended up costing Elisabeth Holmes eleven years and three months in prison. The verdict is the culmination of a farcical story portrayed in a previous documentary on the streaming service HBO and a mini-series on Hulu that followed her success story and devastating fall.
Prosecutors had sought 15 years in prison and $800 million in damages to former partners and investors, among them the drugstore chain Walgreens and the Walton family, the founders of discount chain Walmart.
Defense of the lawyers: “Well-intentioned entrepreneur”
Holmes’ own lawyers have opposed the sentence, arguing that she deserves a “lenient treatment” as she acted as a “well-intentioned entrepreneur”. It has also been highlighted that Holmes is expecting a second child and believes that this provides justification for softening the sentence to a maximum of 18 months.
The lawyers’ demands are massively backed by Holmes’ family, friends and former Theranos employees, who have submitted more than 130 letters testifying to her good intentions.
Prosecutor: One of Silicon Valley’s most serious crimes
Reacting strongly to the defense’s arguments, federal prosecutor Robert Leach has submitted a 46-page document to Judge Edward Davila, who also handed down the sentence. He describes the blood scam as “one of the most serious white-collar crimes ever committed in Silicon Valley.”
With Holmes previously acquitted by a jury on four counts of fraud and conspiracy related to patients who took Therano blood samples, Leach asked Davila to consider the health threats posed by Holmes’ behavior.
Theranos scandal in 60 seconds: