5 and was recovered by the FBI just over 10 years ago. Adding to the Gatsby comparisons, Matthews became close with Connecticut's then-governor, John Rowland, in the 90s. The developer used his political connections to secure favorable contracts with the state government, allowing him to purchase governmen

percent more than what the governor had originally paid. The condo sale and other business dealings eventually led to a corruption investigation into Rowland. But Matthews was never charged. So, he headed to South Florida where he first bought the historic Palm House - which needed substantial repairs - in

OM,STEPHEN WELLMEIER,FRAZIER COOPER,ROLAND WHELTON,JOHN PALM BEACH PRIVATE SCH