Here’s What To Know As Elizabeth Holmes Begins Her 11-Year Prison Sentence

The disgraced Silicon Valley superstar Elizabeth Holmes will today begin her 11-year prison sentence after defrauding investors through her once-high-flying blood-testing company, Theranos. The mother of two is expected to report to a prison camp in Bryan, Texas, an all-female facility located 100 miles outside of Houston, where some of her family members stay.

Holmes’ legal team had attempted to delay her prison sentence by seeking her release during the appeals process, but the Ninth Circuit of Appeals dismissed their request. The court ruled that Holmes failed to raise any significant legal or factual concerns about her case. However, here’s what to know about the tech executive and her sentence to prison.

What Led To Holmes Going To Prison?

Here’s What To Know As Elizabeth Holmes Begins Her 11-Year Prison Sentence — Twitter

After being convicted in January 2022 by a jury in San Jose, California, Holmes was found guilty of fraud and conspiracy. The charges stemmed from her false claims to investors about medical devices capable of detecting numerous diseases with just a small blood sample. Several months later, Judge Edward Davila, who presided over the case, imposed an 11-year prison sentence on Holmes.

Moreover, she was directed to make restitution of $452 million to investors, including notable figures like media mogul Rupert Murdoch and former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. Holmes’ lengthy prison term was influenced by the substantial amount of money she defrauded from investors, placing her within a recommended sentencing range of 11 to 14 years as per federal guidelines.

Will Holmes Serve The Complete 11 Years?

The length of Holmes’ confinement at the prison camp in Bryan, Texas remains unclear. Nonetheless, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, it is typical for inmates at the facility to be granted early release based on their good behavior and engagement in prison programs. These programs often include tasks like training Labrador puppies for service purposes or working in the prison’s kitchen, where the remuneration is reported to be 12 cents per hour.

Will Holmes’ Family Be Able To Visit Her In Prison?

Holmes became pregnant with her first child, William, before her fraud trial, and later she became pregnant again with her daughter, Invicta, before her sentencing. The father of both children is Billy Evans, whose family is involved in the hotel business in San Diego. During her imprisonment, Holmes will have the privilege of receiving visits from her family every weekend, and her children will be allowed to sit on her lap. Bureau of Prisons policies permit women who breastfeed to do so in specific visitation areas. However, it’s important to note that interactions with family members are closely monitored and regulated within the facility.

Can Holmes Still Appeal?

Holmes retains the ability to pursue further appeals as she has not yet exhausted all available legal options. However, it presents a challenge for her to continue fighting her conviction while serving her prison sentence. While Holmes can appeal her case to the U.S. Supreme Court, it is uncommon for the highest court to intervene in cases of this particular nature.