Category Archives: FInancial Exploitation of the Elderly

Elder Financial Abuse, Failure to Supervise, FInancial Exploitation of the Elderly, Finra Investigation of Stockbroker, Stockbroker Malpractice, Unsuitable Investments

Stock Market Losses? –How to Recover Investment Losses Resulting From the COVID 19 Pandemic

April 2020

Retirees and Those Anticipating Retirement In the Near Term

Financial advisors are charged with a duty to make “suitable recommendations” to their customers. For those anticipating retirement in the near future or those who are already retired, investment recommendations should be skewed toward the conservative end of the spectrum, so that in the event of a market adjustment such as the present situation caused by COVID 19, the downside is somewhat protected.

Accounts that have suffered losses that track the decline of the DOW would generally be considered unsuitable for retirees, and those anticipating retirement in the near future.

How to Recover Losses 

Recovery of losses from registered financial advisors and brokerage firms is pursued by filing an arbitration claim with FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority). This process is more expedient and less costly than court litigation. Most cases are resolved in about 12 months, sometimes less. We handle most cases on a contingent fee basis, meaning you only pay us if we obtain damages for you.

If you or one of your loved ones is concerned about their financial future as a result of having suffered significant losses in an investment account, please give us a call. We have been representing aggrieved investors for more than 30 years and we can help you.

Rex Securities Law , with offices in Boca Raton, FL,  and  Austin, TX,   provides representation to  investors  nationwide who are seeking recovery of investment losses due to the negligence or fraud of stockbrokers and broker dealers. If you have questions about how your account has been handled, call to speak with an experienced securities attorney.

Most cases handled on a contingent fee basis meaning that you do not pay legal fees unless we are successful.

Nationwide Representation

Rex Securities Law

TollFree: 877-224-3199

Florida-561 391 1900 

Texas-512-329-2870

 

 

Failure to Supervise, FInancial Exploitation of the Elderly, Finra Investigation of Stockbroker, Kovack Securities, Stockbroker Discharged, Stockbroker Malpractice, StockBroker Misconduct, Theft

Rita Marie Dulya-Former Kovac Securities Broker-Discloses Pending Criminal Charges- Theft Of a Person 65 or Older-Port St. Lucie, FL

February 2020- Port St. Lucie, FL

The FINRA records of Rita Marie Dulya  , a former stock broker who last worked for Kovack Securities, Inc. , disclose  a regulatory event resulting in a bar from the securities industry, a pending felony criminal charge and a termination from employment.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the agency that licenses and regulates stockbrokers and brokerage firms. FINRA requires brokers and brokerage firms to report customer complaints and disputes as well as regulatory sanctions. In addition brokers are required to disclose certain financial matters such as personal bankruptcies, judgments and liens.

In  11/ 2018,  Dulya was permanently barred from the securities industry  for failing to respond to FINRA request for information in connection with an investigation.

In February 2018, felony charges of third-degree grand theft of a person 65 years of age or older were brought against Dulya in Circuit Court for the 19th Judicial Circuit of the State of Florida, Port St. Lucie County.   Formal charges include exploitation of an elderly or disabled adult- less than $10,000.   This case is currently pending.

In October 2017 Kovack Securities, Inc. terminated Dulya’s employment as a result of allegations that a “client gave money to registered representative”.

Dulya worked for Kovack Securities, Inc.  from November of 2002  to October of 2017.   She was with Pro-Integrity Securities and Sunpoint Securities before that time.

Dulya discloses and affiliation with Port St. Lucie Investment Services.   

If you have problems in an account  handled by Rita Marie Dulya  call for a no charge consultation .

Rex Securities Law , with offices in Boca Raton, FL,  and  Austin, TX,   provides representation to  investors  nationwide who are seeking recovery of investment losses due to the negligence or fraud of stockbrokers and broker dealers. If you have questions about how your account has been handled, call to speak with an experienced securities attorney.

Most cases handled on a contingent fee basis meaning that you do not pay legal fees unless we are successful.

International Representation

Rex Securities Law

TollFree: 877-224-3199

Florida-561 391 1900 

Texas-512-329-2870

Capital One Investing, Capital One Investment Services, CUSO Financial Services, Failure to Supervise, FInancial Exploitation of the Elderly, Finra Investigation of Stockbroker, HSBC Securities, Stockbroker Malpractice, StockBroker Misconduct, Theft

Jaime R. Rodriguez- Former Cuso Financial Services Broker – Permanently Barred from Industry by FINRA for Stealing from Elderly, Blind Customer- Port Chester, NY

September 2019 – Port Chester, NY

The FINRA records of  Jamie R. Rodriguez,  a  former stockbroker who was last employed by Cuso Financial Services disclose he  has been barred from the securities industry by FINRA who found that he converted funds from an elderly, blind customer.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the agency that licenses and regulates stockbrokers and brokerage firms. FINRA requires brokers and brokerage firms to report customer complaints and disputes as well as regulatory sanctions. In addition brokers are required to disclose certain financial matters such as personal bankruptcies, judgments and liens.

In August of 2017  Jaime R. Rodriguez was permanently barred from the securities industry by FINRA.   “Rodriguez consented to the sanction and to the entry of findings that he converted approximately $200,000 from an elderly and legally blind customer and used these funds to purchase two apartments in Rodriguez’ name.  The findings stated that when the customer’s apartment lease was terminated, Rodriguez offered with assist the customer with locating and purchasing a residence.  Rodriguez purchased an apartment for approximately $70,000 in the Bronx, NY using the customer’s funds.  The apartment was supposed to be purchased in the customer’s name.  Unbeknownst to the customer, Rodriguez was the sole beneficial owner of the residence.  The customer was unable to see or read the documents due to his disability. ”    

Rodriguez  was employed by HSBC Securities from 12/2010-7/2014, followed by terms of employment with Capital One Investment Services, Capital One Investing and CUSO Financial.

If you have questions about an account  handled by Jaime R. Rodriguez call for a no charge consultation.

Rex Securities Law , with offices in Boca Raton, FL,  and  Austin, TX,   provides representation to  investors  nationwide who are seeking recovery of investment losses due to the negligence or fraud of stockbrokers and broker dealers. If you have questions about how your account has been handled, call to speak with an experienced securities attorney.

Most cases handled on a contingent fee basis meaning that you do not pay legal fees unless we are successful.

International Representation

Rex Securities Law

TollFree: 877-224-3199

Florida-561 391 1900 

Texas-512-329-2870

Elder Financial Abuse, Failure to Supervise, FInancial Exploitation of the Elderly, FINRA, Finra Investigation of Stockbroker, Janney Montgomery Scott, Robert W. Baird, Stockbroker Malpractice, StockBroker Misconduct, Unsuitable Investments

Jodie LaMarre- Former Robert W. Baird & Co. Broker- Discloses Regulatory Event & Two Settled Customer Disputes-Sarasota, FL

June 2019- Sarasota, FL

According to publicly available records Jodie A. Lamarre (CRD#2127928) ,  a  stockbroker who is currently not registered  discloses a regulatory event and 2 settled customer disputes .

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the agency that licenses and regulates stockbrokers and brokerage firms. FINRA requires brokers and brokerage firms to report customer complaints and disputes as well as regulatory sanctions. In addition brokers are required to disclose certain financial matters such as personal bankruptcies, judgments and liens.

In February  2018,  without admitting or denying the findings, LaMarre consented to sanctions and to the entry findings that she recommended an unsuitable strategy involving the consolidation of an elderly customer’s assets in a single taxable account without regard to the fact that several of these assets were in tax deferred accounts .  The customer had a total net worth of less that $200,000 and was living on fixed income. As a result of LaMarre’s actions the customer was faced with an increased tax liability. FINRA suspended LaMarre for 1 year suspension and assessed a $10,000 monetary fine. FINRA case 2015046052701.

In December 2016,  a Robert W. Baird & Co., customer filed a complaint that alleged that LaMarre’s poor advice led him to sustain losses related to the purchase of a variable annuity.  The case was settled for $30,000 in 3/2017.

In May of 2015, another Robert W. Baird & Co, customer  alleged that LaMarre gave poor advice regarding distribution/surrender of annuities following the death of client’s husband, causing  unintended negative tax consequences.  This case settled for $10,000.

Lamarre was  employed with Janney Montgomery Scott from February 2015 until November 2017.   Before that she was with Robert W. Baird & Co, from July 2008 until February 2015.

If you have questions about an investment account handled by Jodie Ann Lamarre contact us for a no charge consultation to learn about your legal options.

Rex Securities Law , with offices in Boca Raton, FL,  and  Austin, TX,   provides representation to  investors  nationwide who are seeking recovery of investment losses due to the negligence or fraud of stockbrokers and broker dealers. If you have questions about how your account has been handled, call to speak with an experienced securities attorney.

Most cases handled on a contingent fee basis meaning that you do not pay legal fees unless we are successful.

Nationwide Representation

Rex Securities Law

TollFree: 877-224-3199

Florida-561 391 1900 

Texas-512-329-2870

Failure to Cooperate with Regulatory Investigation, Failure to Supervise, FInancial Exploitation of the Elderly, Finra Investigation of Stockbroker, Lack of Due Diligence, Misrepresentation, Stockbroker Discharged, Stockbroker Malpractice, Unauthorized Trading, Unsuitable Investments, Voya (formerly ING)

James T. Flynn-Former VOYA/ Capital Investment Group Broker-Millions Paid Out to Disgruntled Investors-Greenville, SC

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2020-Greer , SC/ Greenville, SC

Over the past 2 years we have  successfully obtained significant damages for customers of  t former VOYA Financial Advisors and Capital Investment Group (CIG)  broker James Travis Flynn. We are currently pursuing a number of cases against Flynns for employers, VOYA Financial and Capital Investment Group of other former customers.

The claims by his former customers allege that Flynn made unsuitable recommendations and over concentrated the customers’ accounts in real estate investment trusts and other alternative, non liquid investments.

Those investments include, but are not limited to these alternative investments:

  • ARC Global Trust (Global Net Lease)
  • ARC Hospitality Trust
  • ARC Trust III
  • ATEL 14, LLC
  • BDCA
  • Colony Northstar
  • FS Energy
  • Healthcare Trust of America
  • Northstar Healthcare
  • Phillips Edison Grocery Center REIT
  • Phillips Edison Grocery REIT II
  • Steadfast Apartment REIT

In addition some clients were sold inappropriate and unsuitable variable annuities.

Flynn’s FINRA records  currently disclose  a regulatory suspension, 21 pending customer dispute, 36 prior customer disputes, 2 terminations from employment, a chapter 13 bankruptcy filing in 2013 and 3 outstanding judgment/liens.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the agency that licenses and regulates stockbrokers and brokerage firms. FINRA requires brokers and brokerage firms to report customer complaints and disputes as well as regulatory sanctions. In addition brokers are required to disclose certain financial matters such as personal bankruptcies, judgments and liens.

In September  2018, Flynn was permanently barred from the industry by FINRA for failing to respond to FINRA’s request for information in connection with a FINRA investigation.

Settlements totaling more than $3.5 million have been paid out to former Flynn/VOYA/CIG  clients, including:

In 8/2020 a customer of VOYA and CIG was paid $750,000 to resolve allegations that FLynn recommended a portfolio of unsuitable and illiquid investments.

In 6/2020 a customer of VOYA Financial was paid $420,000 to resolve allegations that they were sold a portfolio of high commission, illiquid and speculative investments.

In 12/2018 a customer of VOYA Financial was paid $50,000 to resolve allegations that Flynn made unsuitable investment recommendations beginning in 2014.

In 11/2018 a customer of VOYA Financial was paid $90,000 to resolve allegations that Flynn transferred assets from a 401K account into illiquid and unsuitable investments in violation of securities statutes.

In June 2018 a Voya Financial customer was paid $75,000 to resolve allegations that Flynn recommended unsuitable  alternative investments for the clients IRA and joint account.

In February 2018 a customer of Voya Financial Advisors was paid $32,912 to resolve allegations that a real estate investment trust (REIT) purchased in June 2015 was not suitable and that the customer was not aware of the risks involved or that the REIT wasn’t actively traded.

In September 2017 a customer of Voya Financial Advisors sought damages of $115,000, alleging that he questioned the suitability of real estate investment trusts (REITs) purchased in 2014 and 2015 and the replacement of a variable annuity policy. Voya paid the customer $167,673 to resolve the case in 9/2017.

In February 2017  Flynn was discharged from Voya Financial Advisors who made the following allegation in connection therewith: “The representative provided misleading information to the Firm during a complaint investigation” related to a variable annuity.

Most recently, in 2/2018, Flynn was discharged from IFS Securities. The firm made the following allegation in connection with Flynn’s discharge: “Client alleges trading ahead of authorization.”.

Flynn discloses outstanding Federal Tax Liens of $256,165 and $18,837 and a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2013.

Jim Flynn, who is not currently registered, was employed by  IFS Securities from 2/2017-2/2018. . He was registered with Voya Financial Advisors 5/2013-2/2017, Capital Investment Group in Greer, SC, 7/2011-6/2013 and Brookstone Securities 9/2006-7/2011. Flynn discloses a business affiliation with Flynn Insurance Group and Flynn Wealth Management in Greenville, South Carolina.

According to a recent article in the Investment News, family members have indicated that Flynn is believed to have fled the country and is currently living in the Caribbean.

If you have losses or questions about an account  handled by James  (Jim) Travis Flynn , contact us for a no charge consultation to learn how you may be able to recover damages from his former employers VOYA and/or Capital Investment Group through FINRA arbitration.

If you have information you believe would be helpful to our ongoing investigation of Jim Flynn, we would appreciate hearing from you.

Rex Securities Law , with offices in Boca Raton, FL,  and  Austin, TX,   provides representation to  investors  nationwide who are seeking recovery of investment losses due to the negligence or fraud of stockbrokers and broker dealers. If you have questions about how your account has been handled, call to speak with an experienced securities attorney.

Most cases handled on a contingent fee basis meaning that you do not pay legal fees unless we are successful.

Nationwide Representation

Rex Securities Law

TollFree: 877-224-3199

Florida-561 391 1900 

Texas-512-329-2870