Prosecutors seeking 15 years behind bars for Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes


Federal prosecutors are recommending a sentence of 15 years in prison for disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, Reuters reported Friday.
Holmes, 38, was found guilty this past January of defrauding investors about the merits of Theranos' blood-testing machines. She is facing a maximum of 20 years in prison, though experts predicted her actual sentence would likely be shorter.
In addition to the recommended sentence, U.S. attorneys said Holmes should be forced to pay $800 million in restitution to investors, per Reuters.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Holmes is scheduled to be sentenced next week, and her time in prison will be the final domino to fall in one of the largest investment fraud schemes in American history, as well as one of the most notable falls from grace in tech history. Forbes had at one point named Holmes the youngest self-made female billionaire in the country, and Theranos had an estimated valuation of $9 billion.
However, an investigation by The Wall Street Journal soon revealed that Holmes and other top officials at Theranos had lied to investors about the accuracy and capabilities of their blood-testing machines. As the investigation grew to involve the federal government, Theranos' value soon plunged to zero, and the SEC soon charged Holmes with "massive fraud" related to her running of the company.
According to reports from The Associated Press and Bloomberg, Holmes is seeking an 18-month house arrest sentence in lieu of prison time. However, it was noted that, given the scope of her crimes, this request was unlikely to be granted.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
-
September 1 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Monday’s political cartoons include Labor Day picnic, branding strategy, and more
-
What is Tony Blair's plan for Gaza?
Today's Big Question Former PM has reportedly been putting together a post-war strategy 'for the past several months'
-
When does autumn begin?
The Explainer The UK is experiencing a 'false autumn', as climate change shifts seasonal weather patterns
-
Scientists are speeding up evolution
Under the radar Proteins can evolve in minutes
-
Sloth fever shows no signs of slowing down
The explainer The vector-borne illness is expanding its range
-
A new subtype of diabetes was found and it may require different treatment
Under the radar It is prevalent in Black Africans and Americans
-
Texas declares end to measles outbreak
Speed Read The vaccine-preventable disease is still spreading in neighboring states, Mexico and Canada
-
RFK Jr. shuts down mRNA vaccine funding at agency
Speed Read The decision canceled or modified 22 projects, primarily for work on vaccines and therapeutics for respiratory viruses
-
Forever chemicals were found in reusable menstrual products. That is nothing new for women.
Under the Radar Toxic chemicals are all too common in such products
-
Scientists are developing artificial blood for use in emergencies
Under the radar It could aid in global blood shortages
-
Babies born using 3 people's DNA lack hereditary disease
Under the Radar The method could eliminate mutations for future generations