The chief operating officer of Scott Rothstein’s former law firm has been charged with conspiring to launder money from Rothstein’s $1.2 billion Ponzi scheme, according to a report in The Miami Herald.
Debra Villegas is the first alleged co-conspirator named in relation to Rothstein’s massive fraud. According to the Herald, Villegas used money siphoned from investors to buy her house, a Maserati and make large political donations. (Relatively austere actions when compared to her boss’ epic spending spree.)
The Herald reports Villegas is expected to plead guilty. She faces a sentence of up to 10 years.
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Eric Lach
Eric Lach is a reporter for TPM. From 2010 to 2011, he was a news writer in charge of the website’s front page. He has previously written for The Daily, NewYorker.com, GlobalPost and other publications. He can be reached at ericl(at)talkingpoitnsmemo.com
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