A history scholar convicted of spying on Chinese dissidents by ingratiating himself as a sympathizer has been spared prison time by a U.S. judge.

Even at the end, he was trying to send more millions of his ill-gotten gains to family members, friends, and certain employees," Chin wrote. Attorney Brandon Sample, representing Madoff, said in a statement he was disappointed with the ruling. We implore the President to personally consider Madoffs rapidly declining health," Sample said. Prison authorities had determined Madoff was likely to die within 18 months of kidney disease. Prosecutors opposed the request, saying 500 victims opposed early release and only 20 letters were written by victims in support of release.