Scott Rothstein Property To Be Auctioned Saturday; Big Crowd Expected; Politicians Likely To Stay Home

Disbarred attorney and Ponzi scheme suspect Scott Rothstein’s name is radioactive among politicians of both major parties in the United States. The embarrassment began to build when Rothstein, a celebrated schmoozer and source of campaign funds, fled to Morocco after the alleged $1.2 billion scheme began to unravel last fall.

Things got worse yet when federal prosecutors began to seize Rothstein’s assets, including an 87-foot yacht registered in the Marshall Islands, two $1.6 million Bugati Veyrons, a $495,000 Mercedes, two $484,000 Rolls-Royces and lots of Ferraris, Lamborghinis and other extremely expensive cars.

Rothstein’s vanity purchases knew no limits — and neither did his appetite for chumming up to politicians. The next round of embarrassment for politicians will occur Saturday in Tamarac, Fla.

Property linked to Scott Rothstein and his collapsed Fort Lauderdale law firm, Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler, will be sold at auction.

Fisher Auction Co., appointed by the bankruptcy trustee, will conduct the event.  The auction will take place at AMC Liquidators Showroom, 3705 West Commercial Blvd., in Tamarac. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Items go up for bid at 10 a.m.

“Prospective bidders must have a $500 refundable cash deposit in order to be a qualified bidder,” said Lamar Fisher, president and chief executive officer of Fisher Auction Co. “All purchases on auction day are payable in cash only. No checks, no credit cards.”

Why the need for a cash deposit?

“We have a tremendous volume of items to move on auction day and must make sure those who are serious bidders have the opportunity to bid,” Fisher said. “We have security in place and have used a higher than typical deposit to help insure that.”

Among the items: computers, telephones, conference room furniture, oriental carpets “from all locations” and “the contents of Scott Rothstein’s personal suite of offices.” Sports items, too.

“Mr. Rothstein was an obvious avid memorabilia collector,” Fisher said.

Sports items include (but are not limited to): a University of Florida – NCAA 2007 Final Four, Atlanta, GA. framed authentic cut from the original floor of this game #1/1900;  an official art poster by Charles Fazzino; three dimensional artwork of Yankee Stadium; imitation player cards with original signatures of players Nos. 11, 24, 20, 35, 2, 13, 42, 51, 55 ; Manager Joe Torre – #187/500; an NFL football in a plastic display case; “1972 Perfect Season” (Miami Dolphins) signed by all players; and other signed memorabilia.

These items also are listed in the preliminary auction inventory:

• Mens pair of cuff links in shape of gold star, signed by Sen. John McCain.
• Mens pair of cuff links, Maverick, signed John McCain. With framed recognition letter.
• President & Vice President of United States, Inauguration 2009, pair of cuff links with matching tie tack.
• Mens pair of cuff links – United States Senate – goldtone.
• China bowl signed – “Charlie Crist.” (Florida governor and Senate candidate.)
• Jeweled figurine of elephant depicting Republicans.
• Framed photograph of Scott Rothstein, Kim Rothstein & Sen. Joe Lieberman. Signed by Lieberman.
• Framed photograph of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger with a signed personal note to Scott Rothstein..
• Framed photograph of Scott Rothstein with Charlie Crist. Signed by Crist.
• Framed photograph of Scott Rothstein with John McCain. Signed by McCain.
• Framed photograph of Scott Rothstein with Alan Spector. Signed by Spector.
• Framed certificate from the State of Florida Executive Department signed by Charlie Crist.
• Framed photograph of Scott Rothstein, Cindi McCain, John McCain and Charlie Crist. Signed by McCain and Crist.
• Framed photograph of Scott Rothstein and Gov. Jebb Bush. Signed by Bush.
• Framed photograph of Scott Rothstein and Gov. Bill Richardson. Signed by Richardson.
• Framed photograph of John McCain, Cindy McCain, Scott Rothstein and Kim Rothstein. Signed by McCain.
• Framed photograph of Mel Martinez and Scott Rothstien. Signed by Martinez.
• Framed photograph of Attorney General Bill McCollum and Scott Rothstein. Signed by McCollum.
• Framed photograph of George W. Bush and Scott Rothstein. Signed by Bush.
• Framed photograph of John McCain, Cindy McCain, Charlie Crist and Scott Rothstein. Signed byMcCain.
• Framed photograph of Gov. Sarah Palin, Kim Rothstein and Scott Rothstein. Signed byPalin.
• Framed letters to Scott Rothstein signed by Gov. Charlie Crist.
• Framed invitation to dinner reception in honor of Gov. Charlie Crist at the Casa Casuarina.
• Framed letter to Scott Rothstein from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger with photos.
• Framed letter signed by Sen. Jeff Atwater.
• Framed letters signed by Sen. John Ensign of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
• Framed letters signed by Sen. Mel Martinez.
• Framed letter signed by Sheriff Al Lamberti.