They had ample evidence pointing to his guilt. This is 5.8 percent higher than the average pay for co-workers but 24.8 percent lower than the national average for government employees. One by one, the dominoes in this billion-dollar Ponzi scheme are falling, said U.S. Attorney Willy Ferrer. In brief remarks to the judge, Villegas expressed remorse and asked for mercy on behalf of her two children. Melissas best friend Debra Villegas, Rothsteins chief operating officer, was convicted of helping by cooking the books. Debra Villegas - $34,100 in Political Contributions for 2008, Campaign Finance, Money, American politics, American political campaign contributions, presidential campaign contributions Debra Villegas' roommate testified that when he came home the day of Lewis's disappearance, he found Tony Villegas washing pepper spray off of his hands and arms. dennis malloy wikipedia; 335th infantry regiment, 84th infantry division; chris bey net worth But, more information came to light, providing a fuller picture of what . FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - The verdict is in for a man accused of killing a Plantation attorney and then dumping her body in a canal. Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. It is unknown if. I'm sure you'll love the subject inside of The Man Who Invented Vegemite. The judge has forbidden the defense from bringing Rothstein into the murder trial, but that could change if any witnesses make unsolicited reference to the Ponzi schemer. March 3, 2017 Best of NBC News Play All NBC News. "I thought it was a one-time thing. And at the time, Barry Plath's estranged wife was driving in Florida. Both Debra and her children stated that he was abusive. Debra Villegas was sentenced to 10-years in after pleading guilty to her role in Rothstein's scheme. Payroll Year. 3. U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer stated, One by one, the dominos in this billion dollar Ponzi scheme are falling. Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein's "right hand" woman, Debra Villegas, was charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering Tuesday in connection with his $1.2 billion scheme. 2002 Penny Zavichas: Competed in Golf, Coach. teams work better when the organizational structure, Tales Of The Unexpected Filming Locations. (D2) David Villegas Age: 49 San Diego, CA (D3) John Bomenka Age: 54 San Diego, CA . Instead, she chose to facilitate and become an accomplice to his scheme, said Special Agent in Charge John V. Gillies of the FBIs Miami Division. Debra Villegas, who has been released following a federal prison term for her role in the Ponzi scheme, took the stand during the trial. / CBS Miami. But Zloch was unimpressed. Debra Snook: Competed in Billiards. "Rothstein was somewhat tied into organized crime. Lewis was found dead in a canal near Plantation after her SUV was found nearby. The Boys & Girls Club will host a blood drive Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the clubhouse, located at 26301 Garbani Road. He was a member of the Logan Square Neighborhood . March 13, 1990. For her role in Rothstein's Ponzi scheme, Debra Villegas was sentenced to 10-years in prison. Psychologist Lori Butts, who has been treating Villegas since the Ponzi schemes collapse in fall 2009, said Villegas knew she was committing a crime but was loyal to Rothstein who employed her for 17 years. The Ponzi scheme involved the sale of purported confidential settlement agreements in sexual harassment and/or whistle blower cases that were purportedly handled by attorneys at Rothstein, Rosenfeldt and Adler, PA. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. It is unknown if Rothstein, who is currently serving a 50 year term, will be called. He received a 50-year sentence. Even those public officials who have chosen to turn themselves in and waive . debra villegas released. The 42-year-old Villegas could get 10 years in prison . Rothstein was involved in a Ponzi scheme, making tons and tons of money and perhaps there are certain people from the Rothstein firm who found out about this and that was not good for the firm," saidFleisher. Before helaid down thesentence,Zloch asked a last question of the government. South Florida's independent Join Facebook to connect with Debra Villegas and others you may know. Debra Coffey, who went by the name Debra Villegas during her 15-year marriage to Tony Villegas, described victim Melissa Britt Lewis as her dearest friend and said they grew even closer. Sa fortune s lve 2 000,00 euros mensuels 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Captured - Texas Department of Public Safety Tony Villegas Found Guilty in Murder of Former Scott . Accountant at Ameresco SW Tempe, Arizona, United States 29 followers 28 connections Join to connect Ameresco SW University of Phoenix Experience Sr Accountant Ameresco SW 2011. Lewis was ambushed at her Plantation home, strangled and then her body was dumped in a canal. Addresses, phones, email, criminal data & more. Her voicewas so soft, it was almost faint as she answered questionsfrom the judge. At one point, Villegas attorney Robert Stickney pointed out toZlochthat her two young sonswere in the courtroom, and they stood up. They have also lived in Kelseyville, CA and Santa Clara, CA. On December 1, 2009, Rothstein turned himself in to authorities and was . A button that had been torn of it was found on her garage floor. Debra Coffey, the ex-wife of Tony Villegas, who is charged with murdering her best friend Melissa Britt Lewis, took the stand to testify against him Tuesday. June 21, 2016 / 3:14 PM Convicted Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein's second-in-command, former Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler COO Debra Villegas, allegedly spent time dreaming up fake names to put on bogus lawsuit settlements . Debra was estranged from her husband, Tony Villegas, at the time. He convinced investors to buy stakes in bogus lawsuit settlements. It was a huge, grave mistake.". The following people are relatives or close associates of Debra . Lewis was the best friend of Villegas ex. Tracking records showed Lewis' cell phone went back and forth between Broward and Miami-Dade on an FEC train line after her death. Related to: Rachel Villeags, Luis Carlos Villegas, Diane Pamela Villegas, , +2 more. "Was she totally familiar with the operation at the law firm or was she some lost soul?" The Business . She was 30 years of age when she was fatally shot . "'You think you're on top now,'" she quoted him as saying. Debra Villegas, who has been released following a federal prison term for her role in one of the largest Ponzi schemes, is expected to testify as is the couple's son. A witness stated that she saw a car similar to Tonys in the parking lot where Melissas car was eventually found. This morning, Debra Villegas, the law firm employee who allegedly helped disgraced lawyer Scott Rothstein run his $1.2 billion Ponzi scheme, pled not guilty to a charge of money laundering in federal court in Fort Lauderdale -- a move that observers say was just a formality. Elizabeth "Liz" Villegas*(p): Volleyball Coach. It's hard to think of something Steve "Mongo . Butts then moved on tothe defendant'sallegedly abusive 17-year marriage to Tony Villegas. Rothstein, who is serving a 50-year prison sentence, is also cooperating with investigators. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Collaborations. Share. Melissas aunt said after his conviction, With this selfish act of jealousy, you not only violated our family but your own too. Villegas admitted when she pleaded guilty in June to a money laundering conspiracy charge that she helped Rothstein forge signatures on fake legal settlements, which were used to lure investors with false promises of fat profits. Debra Villegas will be released from prison and should be home for Christmas, said her lawyer. This study explored heart failure and depression-related research from a bibliometric perspective.MethodsRelevant publications were searched on June 24, 2022. He maintains that he was framed. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. The former chief operating officer at the law firm run by convicted Ponzi scheme operator Scott Rothstein was sentenced Friday to the maximum 10 years in federal prison for her role in the $1.2 billion fraud. MORE NEWS: COVID-19 Testing Site Finder Updated Oct 9, 2010, 12:00am EDT. Tony Villegas faces the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder. He changed the sentence to 48 months. . Become a member to support the independent voice of South Florida That's when Zloch announced his sentence: 120 months, the maximum allowed under law. "She kind ofruled the law firm.". By Charlotte Dean For Mailonline. "Yes, your honor," she answered. Sometimes Debra goes by various nicknames including Debra R Villegas. According to the charges and statements made in court during her plea, Villegas participated in the scheme by assisting with the fabrication of names for fictitious plaintiffs and defendants who were purportedly parties in the confidential settlements. She could have been a hero, not a convicted felon. Freda Hancock: Competed in Track, Coach. Meantime, Villegas says he's innocent and hislawyerBruce Fleishersaid the outcome might have been differentif he hadbeen allowed to talkabout Rothstein during the trial. / CBS Miami. Captured - Texas Department of Public Safety Tony Villegas Found Guilty in Murder of Former Scott . 21-468 (FAB). FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - The ex-wife of the man accused of killing Plantation attorney Melissa Britt Lewis, then dumping her body in a canal, has taken the stand against him. Join Facebook to connect with Debra Villegas and others you may know. Currently, Debra is single. For her role in Rothstein's $1.6 billion Ponzi scheme, she was sentenced to 10-years in prison. A Broward jury found Tony Villegas guilty of 1st degree murder Monday afternoon. She said, We talked about it, neither one of us wanted a gun, she was living alone, so she felt she needed something to, you know I was going through a difficult divorce and living on my own as well, so I decided on a Taser, and she decided on pepper spray. The most damning evidence came in the form of physical evidence. Paralyzed inmate says Mazza made earlier dry run o Man indicted on first-degree murder in Cape day ca As their crime rate climbs, more women filling jails, Another video raises questions about jail abuse. California. Debra Villegas was born on 06/28/1966 and is 55 years old. Pocket. Debra calls San Diego, CA, home. We will all suffer this loss as long as we live but we forgive you," saidHaberl. Prosecutors and investigators do not believe that the murder had anything to do with the $1.6 billion scheme, but that Villegas blamed Lewis for the breakup of his marriage. Tony Villegas, now 52, was arrested in 2008 and charged with the death of Melissa Britt Lewis. [Related:Dateline Lawyer Scott Rothsteins Ex-Wife Hid $1 Million Jewelry], Andrew Dice Clay Says Lance Bass Playing Possum on My Kitchen Rules, 2012-2023, 2paragraphs Productions, LLC, Dateline Lawyer Scott Rothsteins Ex-Wife Hid $1 Million Jewelry. asked Zloch. Tony stood trial in 2016 after initially being ruled incompetent in 2010. The defense is expected to plant the suggestion that Rothstein was behind Lewis' murder because, as an attorney said in an earlier civil proceedings, "she knew too much.". 1997 Judy Hildner*: Contributor - Newspaper. U.S. District Judge William Zloch also took the unusual step of allowing Villegas to remain free until June 24, 2011, so she can assist in the ongoing investigation of the now-defunct Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler firm. The name Debra Villegas has over 15 birth records, 1 death records, 6 criminal/court records, 56 address records, 11 phone records & more. Villegas had no reaction to being found guilty. Location. Welcome to Plathville: Kim Plath Arrested for DUI in 2022. Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. Female murderer Cole receives death sentence, Woman's death penalty overturned, gets new sentencing, Death Penalty Course @ Moritz College of Law. ", Rothstein told her that he would protect her from Tony, that he would make sure she was "safe at all times." 1998 Dr. Kay Aguilar: Competed in Tennis, Coach. debra villegas released everlane price increase Junho 15, 2022. falkirk fc players wages 12:01 am 12:01 am Become a member to support the independent voice of South Florida When it was the government's turn,Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Schwartz noted that at some point during the course of the Ponzi scheme and prior to its collapse, Villegassaid toanother RRA employee, "We're all going to jail.". Debra Villegas' roommate testified that when he came home the day of Lewis's disappearance, he found Tony Villegas washing pepper spray off of his hands and arms. 1 MOSER DK Moser, Debra K University of K entucky (College of Nursing) 107 36 4,121 2 DENOLLET J Denollet, Johan Tilburg Universi ty (Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology) 68 31 3,244 May 2, 2022, 5:00pm PST. Kim Plath's car ended up in a ditch upside down after being involved in a "single-vehicle crash" on the evening of June 10, 2022. And Debra Sennefelder is the author you'll most look forward to reading in 2022. The song was released as the album's fourth single in the United States in mid . Her co-workers were worried and looked for her. Rothstein instead told her that he believed Tony was a "coward. When it came time for her tohave her own say, Villegas gave a very short apology. She said during their nasty divorce her husband told her something that may have foreshadowed violence. Sometimes Debra goes by various nicknames including Debra R Villegas. She said she and Lewis armed themselves against his threats. Ex-legal exec gets 10-year sentence in Ponzi scam. Debra Villegas - Scientology Service Completions Note: Preliminary analysis suggests that about 60% of people who try Scientology do only a single course or service, that 80% of new members become inactive within 2 years, and that 65% of those who reach the level of Clear become inactive within a year after doing so. First published on June 21, 2016 / 3:14 PM. She felt like Mr. Rothstein saved her life and the lives of her children, Butts testified. County. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Might as well start this up now. by 2Paragraphs in Culture | March 2, 2017. Debra Villegas, RRA's chief operating officer, was released from prison Dec. 18, 2014 after serving 3 1/2 years. "I was just thinking about gettinghome to take care of my children. In a press release, John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge of . Villegas won early release for cooperating in . Villegas was declared incompetent to stand trial in 2010 and avoided a trial until he was cleared by the state. She also spoke after the verdict. Rick Telander/Sun-Times. On June 11, 2010, Villegas pled guilty to a criminal Information charging that she and co-conspirators participated in an investment scheme, commonly known as a Ponzi scheme. More this Friday at 10p/9c on NBC. 11:18AM. We know that Debra S Papania Villegas had been residing in Texas . He said Tony Villegas' DNA was found on Lewis suit jacket in her abandoned SUV. source of local news and culture, Deirdra Funcheon The police uncovered a combination of physical and circumstantial evidence to bring the killer to justice. The investigators started to question everyone involved in Melissas life. Attorneys Alison Lehr, Michelle Alvarez, and Evelyn Sheehan. "She didn't even know what a Ponzi scheme was," Butts said on the stand. Prosecutors say Villegas' ex, Tony Villegas, killed Lewis in March, 2008 because he blamed her for the breakup of his marriage. Debra was estranged from her husband, Tony Villegas, at the time. Join the New Times community and help support independent I'm going to win in the end.'". Rothstein was sentenced to 50 years in prison. Dalia Dippolito May Have Tried to Kill Him, But Michael Dippolito Is No Saint, Florida Man Wrestles Shark For Forty Five Minutes, Florida to Execute Death Row Prisoner Donald Dillbeck in February, "We Are Everywhere": Ominous Messages on Anti-Abortion Counseling Centers Prompt Federal Charges, So You're Saying There's (Still) a Chance: Dolphins Playoff Chances Dwindle After 26-20 Loss, Trashed American Flag Sparks Capitol Hill Kerfuffle, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Her 10-year prison term was reduced because she cooperated. Deborah Villegas view Deborah Villegas She had been strangled to death. Debra Villegas, who has been released following a federal prison term for her role in one of the largest Ponzi schemes, is expected to testify as is the couple's son. Vendor, lawmakers suggest cutting $11 million from Ruling: Bush can't order hearing for condemned Mex Florida Legislature makes formal apology for slavery, Georgia man convicted in 1997 Daytona Beach killing. Public records do not indicate that Debra Villegas is currently married. She won early release for cooperating with the state. . Debra Villegas is 55 years old. Debra Villegas, former COO of Scott Rothstein's now-defunct law firm, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a felony charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Debra was released from jail in 2014 after serving three and a half years. He told her that he didn't believe Tony would kill her because if he was going to do that, he already would have. The latest Tweets from MsDebyV (@debravillegas): "RT to #VoiceSaveNoah https://t.co/YDdp1BoCst" The gifts of prison sentences keep coming, thanks to Scott Rothstein.Debra Villegas, the second in command for Rothstein's gigantic Ponzi scheme, surrendered to her new home at a minimum-security federal prison last week to begin her ten-year sentence.Villegas, now 44, pleaded guilty last year to forging legal documents and laundering. Her 10-year prison term was reduced because she cooperated. . U.S. District Judge William Zloch also took the unusual step of allowing Villegas to remain free until June 24, 2011, so she can assist in the ongoing investigation . Despite a psychologist's testimony that Debra Villegas suffered from post-traumatic stress syndrome brought on by a lifetime of abuse by her mother and ex-husband, a Fort Lauderdale federal. Debra S Papania Villegas was born c. 1951. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. Transcript for Subway Push Suspect Denied Bail. She was going to be the next matriarch in the family and she was just taken away just like that," said LaPointe. Debra Villegas received the maximum sentence of ten years in prison this morning for her role in the massive Scott Rothstein Ponzi scheme. Tony Villegas, now 52, was arrested in 2008 and charged with the death of Melissa Britt Lewis. She also spoke after the verdict. The Bibliometrix package in R was used to conduct quantitative analyses including the trends in publications . The thirty year old street vendor who police say pushed -- -- to his death on the subway personal injury lawyer, A Plea For Justice: The Timothy Cole Story, Actual Innocence: When Justice Goes Wrong and How to Make it Right, Fitted in: Cardiff 3 and the Lynette White Inquiry, The Death of Justice: Guilty Until Proven Innocent, Baby Snatcher's Criminal Record May Halt Release. She forged. Debra Villegas, RRA's chief operating officer, was released from prison Dec. 18, 2014 after serving 3 1/2 years. I'm going to win in the end.'". Six Degrees of Murder (TV Series 2016- ) - IMDb Will Debra Villegas, Queen of the Inner Sanctum, Tell All . Dozens of children in U.S. face life in prison, Jail Inmate Complains Marshall-Jones Abused Her. In her first interview, Debra Villegas speaks to Dennis Murphy about the billion dollar Ponzi scheme run by Scott Rothstein. "We talked about it, neither one of us wanted a gun, she was living alone so she felt she needed something to, you know I was going through a difficult divorce and living on my own as well, so I decided on a Taser and she decided on pepper spray," Villegas testified.