Wife of Fla. Ponzi schemer appears in court

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- The wife of a Florida Ponzi schemer appeared in federal court Wednesday morning after being accused of conspiring to hide more than one million dollars in jewelry from federal authorities.

Kimberly Rothstein is the wife of convicted Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein, who is serving 50 years behind bars for cheating investors out of $1.4 billion dollars.

Authorities said Kim tried to hide a 12-carat yellow diamond ring that is worth $450,000. Officials said the jewelry is supposed to help pay back some of her husband's victims.

Kim entered a not guilty plea. "It's been a process that started many, many years ago, and now she's ready to accept full responsibility for her own actions," said David Tucker, Kim Rothstein's attorney. "We have not yet negotiated an agreement, but I foresee something like that happening."

Kim has been charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering. She is also accused of trying to get her imprisoned husband to lie for her.

Kim has been granted a $500,000 surety bond.

(Copyright 2012 by Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)