Judge to Decide on Releasing Rothstein Transcripts

A judge is expected to rule Tuesday on whether to allow transcripts of the depositions of convicted Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein to be made public as soon as possible after each day of questioning.

The decision is expected to be made by a federal bankruptcy judge at an afternoon hearing on the second day of the Rothstein depositions.

Rothstein was at the James Lawrence King Federal Justice Building in downtown Miami Monday for the first day of questioning by lawyers seeking to claim money from his former firm.

At least 30 lawyers involved in civil lawsuits related to Rothstein's $1.2 billion scheme will be questioning him in depositions that are closed to the public. The depositions are expected to last two weeks.

A law firm representing some of Rothstein's wronged investors says it's important for the news media to get immediate transcripts so people can understand the fraud's full scope.

Rothstein pleaded guilty in January 2010 to five charges stemming from the scheme, which was used to fund his lavish lifestyle, which included several businesses, large homes and luxury sports cars.

He's been serving a 50-year prison sentence at an undisclosed location as part of the federal prisons' witness protection program.