Kim Rothstein, convicted Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein's wife, pleads guilty to conspiracy

Faces up to five years in prison

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Kim Rothstein, wife of Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein. (Sun Sentinel, File / September 6, 2012)
Sun Sentinel

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Posted: 02/01/2013

By: CURT ANDERSON AP Legal Affairs Writer

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- The wife of convicted Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein has pleaded guilty to concealing more than $1 million in jewelry from federal investigators.

Kim Rothstein pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge Friday in Fort Lauderdale federal court. The 38-year-old woman faces up to five years in prison when sentenced in April.

Scott Rothstein is serving a 50-year prison sentence for operating a $1.2 billion Ponzi scheme that involved investments in fake legal settlements. The hidden jewelry was among the assets investigators sought to seize and auction to repay wronged investors.

Kim Rothstein and four others were charged with illegally concealing and selling some pieces, including a 12-carat yellow diamond ring. Lawyer Scott Saidel previously pleaded guilty for his role and faces sentencing June 7. One of Kim Rothstein's friends also pleaded guilty Friday.