Ultimate Ponzi, The: The Scott Rothstein Story
In what became one of the most ruthless Ponzi schemes in United States history, Fort Lauderdale attorney Scott Rothstein stole $1.4 billion to finance his opulent lifestyle. In this story of betrayal, greed, corruption, murder, sex, and suicide, no one is innocent. From Rothstein's humble beginnings in the Bronx through his sudden rise to become one of the most powerful men in Florida, the full story has not been told until now. An employment lawyer whose wealth and status seemed to come from nowhere, Rothstein infiltrated the communities of South Florida with charm and manipulation. With unexpected flamboyance, he bought his way into society and took advantage of charitable organizations and prominent individuals. Using methods reminiscent of a criminal kingpin, Rothstein corrupted businessmen and investors. During the later months of 2009, South Florida learned of the scandal that involved the area's top philanthropist. The man who built Fort Lauderdale's richest law firm was far from generous-he was a destructive con artist who plundered investor accounts to build his own fortune. Chronicled here are the uncovered truths behind the scam that deceived hundreds, accompanied by photographs and input from community members and psychologists on the character of the Sunshine State villain. Despite Rothstein's lavish lifestyle, he was unable to escape judgment both from the law and from the society he used to manipulate. Chuck Malkus, a nationally recognized public relations executive and crisis communications expert, is the president of Malkus Communications Group. He has contributed columns to publications such as the South Florida Sun Sentinel, the South Dade News Leader, and CityView Magazine and was featured as an expert discussing Scott Rothstein's Ponzi scheme on CNBC's American Greed. A community advocate, Malkus was inspired to write this story to shed light on the true Rothstein, who took advantage of hospitals, children's charities, and thousands of citizens. Since the 1980s, Malkus has served on the board of directors for numerous South Florida organizations, including the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, the American Red Cross, and Neighbors 4 Neighbors, of which he was a founding co-chairman. His clients include the Broadway-style Havana Night Club-The Show, Advanced Green Technologies, and several law firms. Malkus also serves as a speaker on a variety of topics, including media training and crisis communications. He lives in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with his wife, Sandra.