Smith & Wesson Investigated for Foreign Corrupt Practices Violations; Ponzi Schemer Scott Rothstein's Partner Invokes Fifth in Deposition
Ashby Jones of the Wall Street Journal Law Blog writes today that Firearms manufacturer Smith & Wesson is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice for alleged violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The company disclosed the investigation and potential future criminal indictments of the company and its officers and employees to investors in filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Smith & Wesson also acknowledged that it could face debarment by the U.S. State Department. The investigation is related to an FCPA sting operation which resulted in the indictment of 22 individuals in the arms industry.
According to Law.com, Stuart Rosenfeldt, of Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler--as in Scott Rothstein, the convicted $1.2 billion Ponzi schemer--was deposed last week by the law firm's bankruptcy trustee concerning his law firm's finances and political contributions. Rosenfeldt repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination in response to many of the questions. Rosenfeldt stated that he never looked at the firm's books. Also, when asked about groups which he made donations to, such as Common Sense Coalition and Broward Coalition for Truth, Rosenfeldt denied being familiar with the groups or what they stood for. Rosenfeldt's attorney has stated the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida is investigating Rosenfeldt's contributions.
