NYU student overdoses on medication

A former New York University student blamed for a massive hedge fund scam was not reported to prison as scheduled Tuesday because he overdosed on medication.

Photo: NYU student overdoses on medication

Hakan Yalincak, 22, was sentenced last month to 3½ years in prison for posing as a Turkish heir and persuading sophisticated investors to pour millions into a nonexistent hedge fund. He has already served 20 months but was out on bond.

Last week, he asked for a 30-day extension on reporting to prison because he said he had a droopy eye and might have suffered a stroke. Prosecutors opposed that request, saying a letter from a nurse did not mention a possible stroke.

According to court papers, Yalincak was admitted to St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford on Monday after overdosing on an undisclosed amount of an unidentified medication or medications. His treatment team was unable to determine when he might be able to leave the hospital.

In asking for a lower sentence in April, Yalincak said he was assaulted in prison in 2005 and endured psychological problems, citing a self-inflicted scar on his left forearm stretching from his wrist to elbow.

Yalincak was also ordered to pay restitution of $4.18 million (3.08 million EUR) after pleading guilty last year to bank and wire fraud.

His mother, Ayferafet Yalincak, 52, was sentenced in March to two years in prison after she pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with the scheme.

Judge Joan Margolis has ordered Hakan Yalincak to remain in the custody of U.S. marshal until he can be released from the hospital.

A message seeking comment was left with Yalincak's attorney. St. Francis does not release information on patient conditions.