Case Profile: Scott RothsteinPSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE Scott Rothstein's Psychological Profile A man who obtained his law degree and helped to create a successful law firm, Rothstein's greed and ego blinded him and rendered his intelligence inconsequential. After contemplating suicide and sending a text message to coworkers indicating they wouldn't see him again, Rothstein's mental stability wavered as allegations were brought against him. Smug and flashy before the con unraveled, Rothstein returned to the United States to face trial a defeated and seemingly remorseful man who knew the majority of the rest of his life would be spent behind bars. By Tara Dorfman
Within the context of the great American dream lies the idealized possibility of getting rich quick. In our country's depressed economic times, desperate people seem willing to risk it all to get the green. Never does this notion become more evident than when we witness the destructive wake of a Ponzi scheme.
Watch Video: Inside The Corrupt Rothstein Law Firm From its coining in 1920 with Charles Ponzi's postage stamp scam to Bernie Madoff's elaborate multi-billion dollar con, the Ponzi scheme has certainly come a long way. As the recent economic recession has made more businesses desperate for good investments, these scams have had devastating effects on people across the country and throughout the world rendering them bankrupt, homeless, or even suicidal. Such catastrophe ensued when Scott Rothstein, a once poor kid from the Bronx, created the largest Ponzi scheme in Florida history. CEO and chairman of prominent Fort Lauderdale law firm, Rothstein Rosendfeldt & Adler, Rothstein was sentenced to a 50-year prison sentence after federal prosecutors nailed him on charges of racketeering and conspiracy to commit fraud. The lavish properties, fancy Italian cars, and sparkling watches had made this con man seem larger-than-life and turned him into a socialite adored by politicians and famous athletes alike. The stout man, often festooned in flashy suits, burned through millions of dollars with a seemingly never-ending supply. Unsurprisingly, people began questioning how it was possible for a lawyer to earn so much money. The answer was simple: it wasn't. The massive $1.2 billion scheme that was set in motion in 2004 and began to unravel in 2009 left hundreds of corporations and businesses in debt. In a classic tale of rags-to riches-to incarceration, one which involves the mysterious murder of Rothstein attorney, Melissa Britt Lewis, and the imprisonment of his right-hand, Debra Villegas, we see just how far off course one man's ego and greed can take him. Next: Hometown Boy to High Roller |
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