'Pharma Bro' in solitary confinement for alleged contraband phone use

Pharmaceutical honcho Martin Shkreli has been banished to solitary confinement amid allegations he was running his drug company from federal prison using a contraband smartphone, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.

Shkreli was moved to solitary confinement at the Fort Dix, New Jersey, facility on March 7 and is likely to remain there while his alleged conduct is being investigated, the person said. The person wasn't authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The U.S. Bureau of Prisons told the AP on March 8 that it was investigating whether Shkreli, known as the "Pharma Bro," violated prison rules forbidding inmates from conducting business and possessing cellphones.

That inquiry hasn't resulted in any charges within the agency's inmate discipline program, the person said, indicating that the matter may have been referred to federal prosecutors for potential criminal prosecution.

Shkreli's lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, declined to comment.

The Bureau of Prisons said it does not release information on an individual inmate's conditions of confinement.

"The matter you reference is under investigation," the agency said in a statement. "When there are allegations of misconduct, they are thoroughly investigated and appropriate action is taken if allegations are sustained."

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Brooklyn, which prosecuted Shkreli's securities fraud case, declined to comment. The U.S. Attorney's Office in New Jersey also declined to comment.

Shkreli's move to solitary confinement was first reported by Forbes.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com

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