Crist fundraiser accused of fraud

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 20 (UPI) -- An attorney who was a major fundraiser for Florida Gov. Charlie Crist allegedly conducted an investment scam that cost investors millions, a lawsuit alleges.

A group of investors said in a suit filed against Scott Rothstein that the co-partner of the Rothstein, Rosenfeldt and Adler law firm took part in a scheme that cost the plaintiffs more than $100 million, The Miami Herald reported Friday.

The plaintiffs allege Rothstein, 47, was aided in his efforts by officials from his law firm and Toronto Dominion Bank.

"Investors were duped by TD Bank employees conspiring with the principal conspirators to manipulate TD Bank's trust account statements and conniving investors with the false sense of security predicated on written assurances that settlement funds existed and would only be released directly to them,'' the suit filed by attorney William Scherer alleges.

Scherer told the Herald he remained confident the funds allegedly taken by Rothstein and his partners would be located.

"I think we will be able to find it," Scherer said. "He was a prolific spender, but I don't think he spent $230 million in October. I think he hid it."