Segal Shows Off Scabies, But Judge Won’t Allow Prison Medical Leave

Bond was denied Dec. 16 for convicted racketeer, fraudster and Chicago insurance broker Michael Segal, who during the court hearing pulled opened his orange prison jumpsuit to show a federal judge a rash he apparently developed because of scabies, a prosecutor said.

While arguing to be released from custody while he awaits sentencing, Segal opened his jumpsuit and lifted his undershirt to show U.S. District Court Judge Ruben Castillo a skin condition that he said was not being treated adequately at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, said Assistant U. S. Attorney Virginia Kendall.

Kendall said Segal was taken to a local hospital and diagnosed with scabies, a parasitic infection. Scabies, which causes itching and a rash when small mites burrow into the skin to lay eggs, is often seen in people who live in crowded conditions, such as a jail, according to the American Medical Association’s medical encyclopedia.

Castillo denied Segal’s motion for bond and ordered him to remain in custody at the downtown Chicago federal jail. Segal was convicted in June of 26 counts of racketeering, fraud, embezzlement and other charges. Prosecutors say Segal could face more than 20 years in prison on the remaining 19 counts when he is sentenced Feb. 23.

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