Former financier to be transfer to Rhode Island prison

SUFFIELD, Conn. (AP) -- Federal authorities have agreed to transfer former financier Martin Frankel to another prison after he complained of conditions at a maximum security prison.

Frankel, facing charges that he looted insurance companies in five states out of more than $200 million, was brought to Northern Correctional Institution in Connecticut on Friday after he was extradited from Germany.

During a court appearance on Sunday, Frankel complained that officials at Northern gave him only a plastic gown to wear and made him sleep in a bed with only a plastic sheet.

He also said his glasses were taken away, he had no reading material and he couldn't sleep because the lights were on in his cell 24 hours a day.

Frankel's attorney, Jeremiah Donovan, said authorities agreed to transfer Frankel to the Donald A. Wyatt Detention Facility in Rhode Island until his arraignment Monday in New Haven.

Frankel, 44, is accused of defrauding insurers in Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and Tennessee. Regulators in those states are seeking more than $600 million in damages from Frankel in civil cases.

Three associates have pleaded guilty to charges relating to his alleged money laundering.

Frankel was caught in Germany after fleeing the U.S. in May 1999.