Madoff's Secretary Facing Possible Jail Due To Lack Of Bail Funds

Annette Bongiorno, 62, who served as Bernie Madoff's secretary for over 40 years, could end up in jail because she can't make the $5 million bail.

According to her defense lawyers, Bongiorno is having trouble finding friends and family willing  to co-sign on a bond package because of the notoriety of the case.

"You've got people hanging themselves" because of the shameful nature of the case, lawyer Roland Riopelle said, referring to Saturday's suicide of Madoff's son, Mark.

On Monday U.S. District Court Judge Laura Taylor Swain gave her lawyers until Thursday to work out a deal with prosecutors to release Bongiorno, while she remains on house arrest in her luxury Florida home.

Prosecutors allege, that Bongiorno made over $14 million by investing $920,000 with Madoff over the 40 years she served him, and was well aware of his fraudulent dealings.

The U.S. Government is demanding the entire money back, and are putting her on trial charging multiple counts of conspiracy and tax evasion.

Bongiorno faces more than 75 years in prison if convicted on all counts.

Defense lawyers say there is only a little more than $2.4 million left in cash and investments.

Swain said if defense lawyers and Manhattan federal prosecutors can't agree on a bail package and co-signers for Bongiorno's release, then she will have to move to "less comfortable" quarters.