Greetings. I'm Rob Rothberg, AKA “Marlenus.” While you are reading this, hopefully from the comfort of your own home, I am doing time in Federal prison for my involvement in computer software piracy.

Why did I do it? Well that's a good question and while there is a fairly short answer available, you will probably understand more if I tell you how it happened, because to tell you the truth I'm a little unclear myself as to why it happened.

It all started many years ago. The Internet was still in it's infancy. Those who had access to the Internet realized what a tremendous resource it was and the potential for sharing information was infinite. Suddenly, people from around the world sharing common interests could communicate in ways that were previously never before available to the public!

I was quickly swept up in the rewards of accessing and sharing information. My colleagues and superiors at work would soon come to rely on me to save the day at short notice to find a quick fix for the project on the table at the time. I felt valued and appreciated. That felt great! I would soon get my “fix” by climbing the ranks of a group of software pirates called Pirates With Attitude or PWA. After several years in the group, my focus went more toward maintaining the friendships and camaraderie I so relied on during a period in my life where I rarely opened up to any of my family members or friends.

As the group began it’s decline, in stepped the FBI. Laws had changed. Big corporations were angry. Arrests were made. The government needed someone to make an example of. For the first time, I was not proud of my accomplishments. I was regretful, and I was terrified. What have I done? What is going to happen to my life as a result? Do I really deserve to go to prison for this?

Now, as I sit here at Devens Federal Prison, I think about my poor choices and mistaken beliefs which paved the road along my oblivious journey to this most unpleasant destination. What waits outside the confines of my prison is pretty clear. A mountain of debt, an unknown future and a tarnished past…..(click button on the side for more of Rob’s story)

Thank you for coming by to find out how you can help free Rob Rothberg.  Finally Rob is free, at least from prison.  As a result of the financial strain placed on us, we were forced to file bankruptcy in February 2005, but we still have tens of thousands in non-dischargeable debt. 

News:
● September 2005, we find out Ryan will have a brother or sister toward the end of May 2006!
● On August 17, 2005, Money Magazine runs an article about Rob in the Sept 2005 issue and on CNN.COM
● On July 29, 2005, we received a letter from Judge Kennelly terminating Rob's probation almost 16 months early!!!!
● On May 19, 2005, Money Magazine emailed Rob asking if he'd be interested in doing an interview.  It was a tough decision.
● On February 10, 2005 we were forced to file bankruptcy.  It was not the proudest moment in our life, but Rob wasn't bringing in enough money to pay what we owed and we now have a son to consider.  We managed to get rid of $100,000+ worth of debt, but still owe tens of thousands to friends and family who loaned us money to help pay for the attorneys.
● On January 17, 2005, Ryan Lewis Rothberg was born, the next heir to the Rothberg family fortune :). 

Ryan at age 3 months