Former COO of Rothstein law firm charged in Fla. with conspiracy in $1.2 billion Ponzi scheme

Ex-COO at Rothstein firm charged in Ponzi scheme

MIAMI — The former chief operating officer at the law firm of disbarred attorney Scott Rothstein is being charged with money laundering conspiracy as part of a $1.2 billion Ponzi scheme.

Federal prosecutors filed the charge Tuesday against 42-year-old Debra Villegas of Weston. Villegas is accused of helping Rothstein concoct fake legal settlements used to lure investors.

Rothstein pleaded guilty to five charges and faces up to 100 years when sentenced June 9.

The charge against Villegas carries a maximum 10-year prison term. Prosecutors are also seeking forfeiture of $1.2 million in cash, a home in Weston and a 2009 Maserati automobile.

Court records did not list an attorney for Villegas, who is to appear in federal court Wednesday.