Author Archives: Staff
FINRA Arbitration Panel In Florida Awards More Than $6 Million To Claimants
On May 4th, 2023, a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration panel rendered a decision awarding more than $6 million to a collection of investors (Case Number: 21-03115). The respondent in the claim—the Oppenheimer & Co., Inc.—faced allegations of breach of fiduciary duty. In this article, our Miami breach of fiduciary duty attorney discusses… Read More »
SEC Takes Enforcement Action Against $20 Million South Carolina Ponzi Scheme, Investors In Florida Affected By Fraud
In April of 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) publicly confirmed the filing of securities fraud charges against South Carolina’s Michael J. French and two companies that he owned and controlled: MJF Holdings, LLC and MJF Capital, LLC. Mr. French is accused of using these companies to perpetuate a $20 million Ponzi scheme…. Read More »
South Florida Broker Charged With Securities Fraud, Targeting Investors Of Religious Faith
On April 17th, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced securities fraud charges against Marcus K. Moon. Mr. Moon is a previously registered FINRA securities broker. From 2017 to 2021, he was an associate of NYLife Securities LLC in Miramar, Florida. In March of 2021, Mr. Moon voluntarily resigned from the brokerage firm… Read More »
Merrill Lynch Pays Nearly $10 Million To Resolve Case Over Undisclosed Fees To Investors
On April 3rd, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced enforcement action against Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, the large New York City based brokerage firm. Merrill Lynch charged excessive undisclosed advisory fees to investors, including in Florida. Below, our Miami investor rights attorneys discuss the enforcement action. SEC Enforcement Action:… Read More »
Florida Man Sentenced To Prison For Role Ponzi Scheme Investment Fraud Scheme
According to a report from the Miami Herald, David J. Varrone, a businessman from Broward County, Florida, is headed to prison for his role in a Ponzi scheme. His wife, Sherry D. Varrone also faces sentencing for the investment fraud case later this year. Mr. Varrone stands accused of swindling more than three dozen… Read More »
SEC Charges Financial Advisor With Misappropriating More Than $1 Million From NBA Players
On March 23rd, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced securities fraud charges against a former investment advisor Darryl Matthew Cohen (CRD#: 2786613). Mr. Cohen is accused of defrauding former NBA players out of more than $1 million. Notably, this financial advisor was barred by FINRA in December of 2021 for violation of… Read More »
SEC Charges Florida Man With Stealing More Than $5 Million From Investors
On March 15th, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charged Peter Krieger—the former manager of an investment company called a Florida-based investment company called Oban Energies, LLC—with misappropriating more than $5 million from investors. The SEC notes that Mr. Krieger is a recidivist. He was previously charged with securities fraud by the agency… Read More »
SEC Takes Emergency Action Against Miami-Based Cryptocurrency Investment
On March 6th, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) confirmed that an emergency asset freeze is in place in the case involving BKcoin Management, LLC and its principal owner and operator Kevin Kang. Bkcoin is a Miami-based cryptocurrency investment advisory firm. The company and Mr. Kang are both currently implicated in an alleged… Read More »
SEC Litigation Update: Puerto Rico Company Settles Securities Fraud Allegations
On February 22nd, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) confirmed that the agency has obtained a final judgment in an investment fraud case against Green Mining, LLC and José Jiménez Cruz. In total, the company and Mr. Jiménez will pay more than $3 million. The case is centered around fraud involving unregistered securities…. Read More »
FINRA Arbitration Panel In Florida Awards Claimant Nearly $100,000 In Damages
On February 22nd, 2023, a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration panel in Tampa, FL awarded a claim of nearly $100,000 in damages (Case Number: 22-01019). The case was centered on allegations of losses caused by unsuitable investment recommendations and other industry violations. Below, our Miami unsuitable investment attorney provides an overview of ruling… Read More »
