FINRA Bars Southwest Florida Broker for Failure to Cooperate into Investigation into Alleged Conversion of Funds

Keith M. Curtis (CRD #4798755) is a previously registered investment advisor. From March of 2010 to June of 2015, Mr. Curtis was a representative of JHS Capital Advisors in Sarasota, Florida. From June of 2015 through January of 2022, he was a representative of Aegis Capital Corp. in Tampa. FINRA barred this broker from the industry after failure to cooperate with an investigation into allegations that he converted funds. Here, our Florida securities fraud lawyers provide an overview of the allegations raised and the sanctions pursued against former FINRA broker Keith M. Curtis.

Barred Broker: Former Aegis Capital Corp. Broker Keith M. Curtis 

As confirmed by information obtained through FINRA’s BrokerCheck tool, Keith M. Curtis was subject to a criminal complaint for a violation of Florida Statutes 812.014(2c3) in October of 2020. The statute is the state’s grand theft larceny law. It involved allegations of illegal conversion (theft) of client funds. Notably, the case was filed after Mr. Curtis was still a registered representative for Aegis Capital Corp.

FINRA launched its own investigation into the allegations raised against former Aegis Capital Corp. broker Keith M. Curtis. By this time, Mr. Curtis was no longer an associate of that brokerage firm. In violation of FINRA Rule 8210, Mr. Curtis declined to cooperate with the investigation. He did not provide financial documents as requested by FINRA investigators and he did not submit to a request for on-the-record testimony.

FINRA Rules Require Registered Representatives to Cooperate With Investigation 

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority is the self-regulatory body that is responsible for overseeing financial advisors and broker-dealers. Among other things, FINRA sets rules for these financial professionals. One of the most important regulations is FINRA Rule 8210. Broadly explained, the rule holds that registered representatives—including licensed securities brokers— must cooperate with investigations into allegations that they engaged in professional misconduct. If FINRA is looking into something, representatives are required to provide information, documents, and testimony. Their cooperation is vital to protecting the rights and interests of investors.

 Broker Sanctions: A Permanent Bar from the Securities Industry 

Without admitting to or denying any of the specific allegations raised against him, former Aegis Capital Corp. broker Keith M. Curtis consented to FINRA’s findings that he violated FINRA Rule 8210. He also consented to the agency’s proposed penalties. Most notably, he accepted a permanent bar from the securities industry. Mr. Curtis is prohibited from associating with any FINRA member firm (licensed brokerage firm) in any professional capacity. This is the standard penalty for a violation of FINRA Rule 8210.

 Contact Our Florida Securities Fraud Attorney Today

At ​Carlson & Associates, P.A., our Florida investment fraud attorneys are devoted to holding negligent financial advisors accountable. Investors deserve justice. If you or your loved one suffered financial losses due to conversion of funds by a broker, we are here to help. Contact us today at our Miami law office to arrange your strictly confidential case assessment.