Florida's governor says he saw no reason to investigate a South Florida lawyer charged with operating a $1 billion Ponzi scheme or refuse his political contributions.

Gov. Charlie Crist said Thursday he initially didn't believe rumors about now disbarred attorney Scott Rothstein.

The two were once political allies and friends. Crist attended Rothstein's extravagant wedding. Rothstein helped throw a 52nd birthday party for Crist.

A South Florida Sun Sentinel analysis of campaign contributions shows Rothstein, his legal associates and their families have donated at least $2.8 million to largely Republican political causes since 2006.

Crist, who is running for U.S. Senate, says Rothstein never asked for political favors or anything else in return for his support.