Accused Billionaire Stanford Spits Blood in a Cup at Court Hearing

Accused Ponzi schemer R. Allen Stanford spit blood into a cup during a court hearing in Houston on Wednesday.

Stanford’s lawyer, Kent Schaffer, said doctors have not diagnosed what is causing the illness, according to stories in the Houston Chronicle, Reuters and the Associated Press. Schaffer said Stanford is being held in solitary confinement, where he isn’t getting adequate medical attention.

Stanford has been hospitalized twice since he was sent to prison as a flight risk. He had surgery for an aneurism in his leg and was hospitalized after a fight with another inmate resulted in a broken nose and a mild concussion.

Stanford is accused of misleading investors who bought $7 billion in certificates of deposit with improbable returns.

Reuters said Stanford’s face is slightly bruised and he looks “gaunt.” He missed a previous court hearing because of an irregular heartbeat.