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Former Judge Candidate Michael Rothenberg Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Investors
ATLANTA, Georgia – Michael Rothenberg, a 35-year-old former candidate for a seat on the DeKalb County Superior Court, has pleaded guilty to a charge of defrauding the owners of WinterHawk Energy and Development Corporation.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Rothenberg deceitfully persuaded the owners of WinterHawk into investing a total of $1.35 million. He represented that the invested money would be placed in a trust account, controlled by Rothenberg, which would be used to fund the trading of notes by large financial institutions.
Rothenberg told the investors that the investment involved no risk, but in fact, no investment existed. He used the money paid by WinterHawk to fund his political campaign for a seat on the DeKalb County Superior Court as well as to pay personal expenses.
Rothenberg ultimately was unsuccessful in his bid for a judgeship. During the scheme, he placated the investors’ concerns and lulled them into believing that the investment opportunity was real by emailing them fabricated bank statements, which made it appear as if the money they had invested remained in his trust account and that Rothenberg himself was wealthy.
The charge of wire fraud in this case carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Rothenberg’s guilty plea ensures that he will be held accountable for his criminal actions.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 18, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. before United States District Judge Steve C. Jones. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with Assistant United States Attorney Steven D. Grimberg prosecuting the case.
Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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