(4 of 4)
Rich, though, has more things to consider than just his image. Hoping to return to the U.S., he reportedly tried without success recently to plea bargain with federal officials for a prison term of four to five years in exchange for a halt to the probe. The Justice Department turned down the deal. Now U.S. officials believe Rich may be preparing to abandon the U.S. forever. The globetrotting trader, who once lived in Madrid, is believed to have sought Spanish citizenship. But Spain might provide only temporary refuge. Eventually Rich may have to decide whether to face U.S. authorities or to spend his life on the run. — By Stephen Koepp. Reported by Bruce van Voorst/New York