Feds Might Offer Rothstein a Deal
Scott Rothstein faces life in prison if convicted
AP
**EDS NOTE, HAVE VERBAL PERMISSION FROM LAW FIRM TO USE PHOTO, WAITING FOR WRITTEN EMAIL CONFIRMATION**Attorney Scott Rothstein, left, is shown with Rudy Giuliani in a photo hanging in the law offices of Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler, Nov. 5, 2009 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Federal agents seized computers, bank and investment records, cash and even the key to a Ferrari during an all-night search at the office of attorney Scott Rothstein, who is suspected of operating a massive fraud scheme. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Scott Rothstein may get one last chance to make a deal, but this time it's him that probably will think it's too good to be true.
Federal prosecutors told a judge Wednesday that a plea deal with the former South Florida power attorney is still a possibility, although he did not specify what it would include.
Rothstein is currently in jail awaiting trial on charges related to a billion-dollar Ponzi scheme that victimized some of his closest friends and some of his very influential political connections.
On Dec. 2, the 47-year-old was formerly charged with wire fraud, mail fraud, racketeering, conspiracy to commit fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Without a deal, Rothstein would likely face life in prison and then some. He has been cooperating with authorities throughout the investigation and investigators have hinted that others may soon be arrested.
Calling it a "classic Ponzi scheme," prosecutors alleged that Rothstein used his law firm office -- a veritable fortress -- to project legitimacy as he scammed investors out of hundreds of millions. His law partners at Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler became suspicious after they discovered the firm's funds were totally depleted.
Sensing his scheme was collapsing, Rothstein, according to prosecutors, fled to Morocco in October, but not before wiring $16 million to the country and taking another $400,000-$500,000 with him. He eventually came back to the country to face the music.
Posted Wednesday, Dec 16, 2009 - 2:59 PM EST
