New York 'Jittery' as Prison Releases Martha Stewart
by Scott Ott
(2005-03-04) -- Residents of New York and neighboring states were on edge
today as one of the nation's most notorious criminals, Martha Stewart, was
released from a West Virginia prison.
"Stock brokers will be watching their backs," said one Wall Street
executive.
"We're all a bit jittery. She's done her time, but did the correctional
institution really correct her?"
Almost no one interviewed for this story would allow his name to be used,
fearing reprisals from the wealthy convict who remains under house arrest.
"In the world of finance, your word is your bond," said one unnamed bond
trader. "If she lied to federal investigators, what might she do to a
simple,
naive Wall Street trader? I'm not sleeping well. I feel vulnerable."
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said he has beefed up security in
the
financial district, and every police officer carries a photo and
description
of Martha Stewart.
"New Yorkers just have to live their normal lives," said Mr. Bloomberg.
"Go
to work. Make deals. Use your cellphone. We have nothing to fear, but fear
itself."
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