Category Archives: Finra Investigation of Stockbroker

Capital Financial Services, Failure to Supervise, Finra Investigation of Stockbroker, Questar Capital Corporation, Stockbroker Discharged, Stockbroker Malpractice, StockBroker Misconduct, Unauthorized Trading, Unsuitable Investments

Steven Knuttila-Former Capital Financial Services Broker-Discloses 2 Regulatory Events, 23 Customer Suits and a Termination-Perham, MN

March  2019 – Perham, MN

According to public records of Steven Roland Knuttila (CRD#3039112)  a  stockbroker previously employed by Capital Financial Services, Inc., disclose 2 regulatory events, 16 pending customer disputes, 23 prior customer disputes 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 June of 2018 Knuttila consented to the sanction and to the entry of findings that he refused to appear for FINRA on-the-record testimony relating to an investigation into allegations that he made unsuitable recommendations to customers.     As a result of this Knuttila has been permanently been barred from the securities industry by FINRA.

In April of 2018,  a regulatory action was initiated by the state of Minnesota alleging that Knuttila sold unsuitable investments to numerous clients.   Sanctions include a $40,000 in monetary penalties.  

From September 2010 until September 2018, twelve customer disputes were filed by customers of Questar Capital Corporation and Capital Financial Services, Inc. alleging various wrongdoing by Knuttila including  negligence, violations of the MN Uniform Securities Act, common law fraud, misrepresentation, breach of contract, unsuitable recommendations,  and breach of fiduciary duty.   The total paid out to settle these prior customer disputes was in excess of $1.78 million.

There are currently 16 pending customer suits  filed by customers of Questar Capital Corporation and Capital Financial Services, Inc. alleging various wrongdoing by Knuttila, including  unsuitable sales of alternative investments, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, common law fraud, negligent hiring, poor investment advice, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation and omission of facts.   The alleged damages in these cases total more than $1.86 million .

Knuttila was with Capital Financial Services, Inc. from 6/2012-12/2017.   He also is the President and owner of Knuttila Financial Services. Prior to that he was with Questar Capital. In May of 2012, Knuttila was terminated from employment by Questar Capital Corporation after allegations that he failed to follow firm procedures regarding the reporting of customer complaints and he failed to follow firm procedures regarding the use of discretion.  

If you have questions about an account handled by  Steven Knuttila, contact us for a no charge consultation to learn how you may be able to recover damages from his employer through FINRA arbitration.

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 Financial Broker-Subject of Numerous Customer Suits Involving REITs-Greenville, SC

March 2019-Greer , SC

Our law firm recently filed several FINRA arbitrations against former VOYA Financial Advisors broker James T. Flynn. 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.

Flynn’s FINRA records  currently disclose  a recent regulatory suspension, 7 pending customer dispute, 18 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 with Flynn customers include:

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 another recently resolved matter,  a customer of Voya Financial and Brookstone Securities alleged damages in connection with a $575,000 investment in annuities and real estate investment trusts (REITs). The customer alleged that they should not have been allowed to invest all of their retirement funds in unsuitable investments. In 8/2017, Voya paid the customer $196,788 to resolve the matter.

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.

If you have losses or questions about an account  handled by James  (Jim) T. Flynn , contact us for a no charge consultation to learn how you may be able to recover damages 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

Failure to Cooperate with Regulatory Investigation, Failure to Supervise, FINRA, Finra Investigation of Stockbroker, Founders Financial Securities, Massachusetts Securities Division, Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), Stockbroker Discharged, Stockbroker Malpractice, StockBroker Misconduct, Theft

Bruce Worthington-Former Founders Financial Securities Broker-Discloses Regulatory Event, Pending Investigation, Termination & Customer Complaint-Middleton, MA

February 2019-Middleton, MA

According to publicly available records Bruce C. Worthington (CRD# 2193895) ,  a  stockbroker previously employed by Founders Financial Securities, discloses a pending regulatory event, a prior regulatory event, a  pending FINRA investigation,  a termination from employment and 2 currently outstanding judgement/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.

Massachusetts regulators recently filed  complaint #E·2018·0119 against Worthington claiming that  from 2006 to 2018,  he took money from at least one retired client Massachusetts customer and he used the investment money for his own personal use and benefit.   This retired client had trusted Worthington with his account for 15 years.

In December 2018 FINRA case #2018059894201 was initiated by  FINRA.   Worthington failed to respond to FINRA request for information and he was suspended indefinitely.

In 9/2018, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission began an investigation into Worthington after concerns arose about his receipt and disposition of customer funds prior to 2013.    This investigation is still pending.

Worthington  began working  for Founders Financial Securities in June of 2013.   He  was discharged in September of 2018, and Founders Financial made the following allegations on Worthington’s record:  “The firm terminated its relationship with Mr. Worthington after concerns arose about his receipt and disposition of customer funds prior to his association with Founders Financial Securities“.

Worthington discloses a business affiliation with LifeHouse Financial Group in Rowley, MA.

If you have losses in an account handled by Bruce Worthington, contact us for a no charge consultation to learn how you may be entitled to recover damages through FINRA arbitration.

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

Capital Financial Services, Failure to Supervise, Finra Investigation of Stockbroker, LPL Financial, Outside Business Activities, StockBroker Misconduct

Justin Mitchell- Capital Financial Services Broker-Discloses Investigation & Termination-Baton Rouge, LA

February 2019 – Baton Rouge, LA

According to publicly available records  Justin Brian Mitchell (CRD# 5177794) ,  a   stockbroker currently employed by Capital Financial Services who was previously employed by LPL Financial, disclose a a pending FINRA investigation 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 October of 2017, an FINRA began an investigation into Mitchell regarding outside business activity.   This investigation is still pending.

Mitchell began working  for LPL Financial  in 2009 and was discharged in June of 2017.  LPL makes the following allegation on Mitchell’s FINRA record: “Violation of Firm policy regarding outside business activities.”  .

Mitchell has been employed by Capital FInancial Services since 7/2017, and he discloses a business affiliation with Olinde Financial Group and Massad Olinde Benefits Consulting.

If you have losses in an account handled by Justin Brian Mitchell, contact us for a no charge consultation to learn how you may be entitled to recover damages through FINRA arbitration.

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, Finra Investigation of Stockbroker, Kestra Investment Services (formerly NFP), LPL Financial, Stockbroker Discharged, Stockbroker Malpractice, StockBroker Misconduct

Cheryl Stallings-Former LPL Financial Broker-Discloses Regulatory Action and Termination From Employment, Amarillo, TX

February  2019 – Amarillo, Texas According to public records of Cheryl Ann Stallings (formerly Cheryl Ann Bledsoe) (CRD#1162913)  a  former stockbroker with LPL Financial, discloses a regulatory event 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 FINRA permanently barred Stallings from the securities industry to resolve allegations that Stallings:

  • circumvented her firm’s supervisory system by failing to disclose she was named POA for a firm customer
  • had custody of two firm customer’s bank accounts and was named as successor trustee and beneficiary of a customer’s trust
  • received over $300,000 from customer’s bank accounts as a result
  • improperly used $5,300 of a firm customers funds to pay for her personal expenses, and
  • made false statements and misrepresentations to her firm denying she had ever been granted any power of attorney over a firm customer and falsely stated that the customer was her aunt.

Stallings was employed by LPL FInancial from 9/2009-8/2017. She was discharged by LPL Financial for violating firm policy regarding fiduciary capacities and being a joint owner on two different client’s bank accounts. After leaving LPL Financial Stallings was employed briefly by Kestra Investment Services  from 8/2017-2/2018.

If you have questions about an account handled by  Cheryl A. Stallings, 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