Scott Rothstein was sentenced this morning to five decades in prison by U.S. District Court Judge James Cohn.
The judge was vocal about Rothstein’s forgery of federal officers and bogus court papers, saying those actions were “the most egregious wrongs a licensed attorney can commit.” His 50-year sentence was more than the 40 years prosecutors had sought.
Rothstein got up to address his “victims” in the courtroom, his former law firm partners, his investors, “members of the community,” and the judiciary itself. “I am truly and deeply sorry for what I have done. I don’t expect your forgiveness,” he said, his voice cracking at times with emotion. “I’m ashamed and embarrassed. Thank you.”