Federal agents seized computers, bank and investment records, cash and even the key to a Ferrari during an all-night search at the office of an attorney suspected of operating a massive fraud scheme.

The firm, Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler, released a 10-page list of items taken by FBI and Internal Revenue Service agents who completed their search at 5 a.m. Thursday at the Fort Lauderdale office. More than 40 boxes of records were seized.

The investigation focuses on attorney Scott Rothstein, who is suspected of misappropriating millions of dollars through investments in legal settlements that may have been faked.

No charges have been filed, although Rothstein has met at length with investigators since returning from Morocco on Tuesday. Rothstein's attorney, Marc Nurik, would not confirm reports that Rothstein is cooperating in the probe or has admitted any wrongdoing.

"A lot of people are reporting things they don't know anything about," Nurik said. "There's a lot of speculation and conjecture out there."

Rothstein, 47, a flashy attorney who has raised millions of dollars for charities and politicians, has made no public statement since the fraud allegations surfaced earlier this week. The state Democratic and Republican parties are both returning tens of thousands of dollars in Rothstein's donations, and Gov. Charlie Crist is giving back $9,600 from his U.S. Senate campaign.

A spokesman for the law firm, Charles Jones, said the firm cooperated fully with the search and had reopened for business Thursday morning. Rothstein was removed as chief executive officer by a judge who also appointed a receiver to unravel its finances. Attorneys for investors say well over $100 million may be lost.

Attorney William Scherer, who represents a dozen investors out some $80 million, said lawsuits are in the works against banks, insurance policies and Rothstein's assets. He also plans to file lawsuits seeking the return of charitable and political contributions.

"This is an amazing situation," Scherer said. "It was apparent to people in the legal community that the law firm couldn't generate the kind of money he was spending, that it had to be from outside investments. I think the money is all gone."

The law firm opened its doors Thursday afternoon to news reporters to show how physically separated Rothstein was from the other attorneys: He had his own private elevator, a secure entrance, soundproofing, and video and audio monitors outside his suite. Rothstein's partners claim they knew nothing about any shady investment deals. Continued...