Scott Rothstein's Auction Takes In More Than $3M
FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) - Hundreds of items which once belonged to convicted Ponzi scam artist Scott Rothstein crowded the auction block Wednesday at the Broward County Convention Center.
Up for bid were more than 200 watches including a white gold and silver Piaget along with time pieces from Patek Philippe, Franck Muller, Rolex and Gerald Genta. Two of Rothstein's cars; a 2009 Mercedes-Benz and a 2008 Corvette also went. In addition to the cars and jewelry, there were collectibles on block including a framed autographed photo of Paul McCartney w/ Certificate of Authenticity and a signed Super Bowl XL Commemorative Riddell Football.
"I think the watch collection is amazing the amount of diversity in watches he has," said bidder Brian Rosenberg.
While the curious mixed with the serious, no one really thought they'd get a real bargain.
"I don't think you are going to steal anything in there but it will be fun to have a nice discount on something," said one woman.
"I think the prices are higher than what they should be, they're paying about 30 percent over what you can buy it outside for," said another bidder.
In all, the auction took in more the $3 million, a lot more than organizers expected.
"The proceeds from these auctions are placed in the U.S. Treasury's asset forfeiture fund and the net proceeds from the auction go to the victims of Scott Rothstein's crimes subject to the outcome of an appeal which is currently pending before the 11th Circuit Court," explained auctioneer Rick Levin.
Rothstein entered a guilty plea in January 2010 and was sentenced to 50 years in federal prison in June 2010.
