Allegations Leading Up to Heisey’s Suspension

FINRA investigated Heisey regarding allegations that he “received $7,000 per month for referring approximately 140 potential customers to an insurance marketing organization unaffiliated with MML Investors Services. He did not disclose this activity to the firm”.  FINRA has alleged that this conduct occurred between April and October 2024. Generally, financial advisors must get pre-approval for any financial products sold.

To settle these allegations, Heisey agreed to a two-month suspension and a $5,000 fine. 

Background on Ethan Heisey

Ethan Heisey was licensed with Northwestern Mutual from December 2020 to March 2024 at an Atlanta, Georgia office.  He was also licensed with MML Investors Services from April 2024 to October 2024 at a Flowery Branch, Georgia office.  He was terminated by Northwestern Mutual in March 2024.

Can MML Investors Services and Northwestern Mutual Be Responsible to Customers for Losses?

Under FINRA Rule 3110, broker-dealers like MML Investors Services and Northwestern Mutual must reasonably supervise the activity of its advisors.  The firms could be responsible for investor losses if they failed to reasonably supervise their advisors.

Israels & Neuman Helps Investors Recover Investment Losses in Georgia

We represent investors throughout the United States as well as Georgia, who have been victims of broker misconduct, unsuitable investment recommendations, and fraud.  We have represented numerous investors in Georgia in the past.  If you were a client of Ethan Heisey and believe he acted improperly, you may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration.

• View Heisey’s BrokerCheck Report
• View Heisey’s FINRA AWC

Contact Israels & Neuman for a Free Case Evaluation

Call us today at (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798 or fill out our contact form to learn more about your rights.

What Have Courts Said About This?

The State of Washington brought an action against KalshiEX in King County Superior Court earlier this year.  Washington argued that betting on prediction markets or sports event contracts constitute gambling, and thus, platforms like KalshiEX and Robinhood must have gambling licenses to operate in Washington.  A King County Superior Court ruled in July 2026 (with an amended order in August 2026) that the State is likely to prevail on the merits of its request, finding that this conduct constitutes illegal gambling and granted an Order that preliminarily enjoined KalshiEX. 

The State of Nevada also previously sought to shut down prediction markets. Robinhood Derivatives filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court of Nevada, seeking to enjoin the State of Nevada from stopping its operations.  The Nevada federal court ruled in favor of the State of Nevada, effectively denying Robinhood’s request for injunctive relief.  In August 2026, after an appeal from Robinhood, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the decision by Nevada. 

In short, these courts have found that the sports events contracts or sports prediction markets constitute gambling, and because Robinhood or Kalshi were not properly licensed to operate gambling in those states, they engaged in illegal conduct.

While Nevada and Washington courts have made rulings, other states that also do not allow online gambling for sports include Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Utah.

Can Israels & Neuman Help Recover These Losses?

The securities law firm of Israels & Neuman PLC represents clients in all 50 states, and currently represents a Washington resident who lost money gambling through Robinhood Derivatives.  Washington law provides that persons who lose money from illegal gambling operations can sue the operators for gambling losses.  See R.C.W. 4.24.070 and 9.46.200.  Nevada law also provides that it is illegal to “Knowingly to entice or induce another to go to any place where a gambling game is being conducted or operated in violation of the provisions of this chapter, with the intent that the other person play or participate in that gambling game”. See NRS 465.070.

Many of these platforms have arbitration clauses in their account agreements.  If you are considering suing over any sports gambling losses, contact an attorney at Israels & Neuman, PLC. We regularly represent consumers in all 50 states in arbitration.  Give us a call to find out more about your rights and options to recover your losses.

View the King County Order Here

View the Washington Statutes on Gambling Here and Here

Call Israels & Neuman for a Free Consultation

If you lost $25,000 or more gambling on sports through Robinhood, Kalshi, or other similar platforms in Washington, Nevada, or other states that do not allow online gambling for sports, contact the law firm of ISRAELS & NEUMAN at (206) 795-5798 or (720) 599-3505 for a Free evaluation of your case.

Allegations Against Don Louis Evans

According to FINRA (The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority), Edward Jones fired Mr. Evans regarding allegations that he “received funds from a client.”  Generally, advisors must disclose all outside businesses that they operate, and they must have permission from their brokerage firm for every investment product that they sell.  Moreover, if an advisor borrows money from a client, they must get prior approval for such.

Background on Don Louis Evans

Don Louis Evans was licensed with Edward Jones from July 2015 to May 2026 and worked at a Trinity, Texas office.  He has also previously been licensed with a number of other firms since 1993, including Edward Jones from 2001 to 2011.

Can Edward Jones Be Liable to its Customers for Evans’s Conduct?

FINRA Rule 3110 requires securities brokerage firms to adequately supervise the activity of its advisors.  Edward Jones could be responsible for investor losses if it failed to reasonably supervise him.

Israels & Neuman Helps Investors Recover Money in Texas

We represent investors throughout the United States as well as Texas, who have been victims of broker misconduct, unsuitable investment recommendations, and fraud.  We have represented numerous investors in Texas in the past.  If you were a client of Don Louis Evans and believe he acted improperly, you may be entitled to recover your investment losses through FINRA arbitration.

• View Evans’s BrokerCheck Report

Contact Israels & Neuman PLC for a Free Case Evaluation

Call us today at (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798 or fill out our contact form to learn more about your rights.

Allegations Against Advisor Matthew B. Summe

According to FINRA’s BrokerCheck, LPL Financial fired Matthew Summe regarding allegations that he “Failed to disclose and obtain prior approval for a personal financial arrangement with client; and used unapproved electronic communications platform.”  Generally, advisors must disclose all outside businesses that they operate, and they must have permission from their brokerage firm for every investment product that they sell.  Moreover, if an advisor borrows money from a client, they must get prior approval for such.

Summe was also terminated by his investment advisory firm, Stratos Wealth Partners.

Background on Matthew Summe

Matthew B. Summe was licensed with LPL Financial from April 2025 to May 2026 and worked at an Elmhurst, Illinois office.  He was also previously licensed with UBS Financial from June 2021 to December 2024. 

Can LPL Financial Be Responsible to Customers for Summe’s Conduct?

FINRA Rule 3110 requires securities brokerage firms like LPL Financial to adequately supervise the activity of its advisors.  The firm could be responsible for investor losses if it failed to reasonably supervise their advisor.

Israels & Neuman Helps Investors Recover Money in Illinois

We represent investors throughout the United States as well as Illinois, who have been victims of broker misconduct, unsuitable investment recommendations, and fraud.  Attorney David Neuman is licensed to practice law in Illinois and grew up in nearby Addison, Illinois.  We regularly represent investors who lost money in Illinois.  If you were a client of Matthew Summe and believe he acted improperly, you may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration.

• View Summe’s BrokerCheck Report

Contact Israels & Neuman for a Free Case Evaluation

Call us today at (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798 or fill out our contact form to learn more about your rights. We have extensive experience representing Illinois investors and are ready to help you recover the money you deserve.

Allegations Regarding Josiah Jennings’s Suspension

FINRA investigated Jennings regarding allegations that he sold investments without providing prior notice to his firm, Columbia Capital Securities.  FINRA also investigated Jennings’ colleague, William Pugh, regarding similar allegations.  

FINRA was alleged that between April and August 2024, he was involved in the sale of promissory notes of a private equity fund.  Jennings was alleged to have co-founded the fund and participated in soliciting investors to put money in the fund. 

To settle these allegations, he agreed to a ten-month suspension and a $10,000 fine. 

Background on Josiah D. Jennings

Josiah Jennings was licensed with Columbia Capital Securities from October 2021 to September 2024 at a Los Angeles, California office.  He is also licensed with Vela Consulting, LLC, a registered investment advisory firm and is also involved with Linchpin Securities and Oak Quarry Management.

Can Columbia Capital Securities Be Responsible for Jennings’s Conduct?

Under FINRA Rule 3110, broker-dealers like Columbia Capital Securities must reasonably supervise the activity of its advisors.  Columbia Capital Securities could be responsible for investor losses if it failed to reasonably supervise him.

Israels & Neuman Can Help You Recover Investment Losses in California

We represent investors throughout the United States as well as California, who have been victims of broker misconduct, unsuitable investment recommendations, and fraud.  We have represented numerous investors in California in the past.  If you were a client of Josiah Jennings and believe he acted improperly, you may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration.

• View Jennings’s BrokerCheck Report
• View Jennings’s FINRA AWC

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Call us today at (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798

Allegations Against William Pugh

FINRA investigated Pugh regarding allegations that he sold investments without providing prior notice to his firm, Columbia Capital Securities.  It was alleged that between April and August 2024, he was involved in the sale of promissory notes of a private equity fund.  Pugh was alleged to have been a limited partner in the fund and participated in soliciting investors to put money in the fund. 

To settle these allegations, he agreed to a ten-month suspension and a $10,000 fine. 

Background on William Nicholas Pugh

William Pugh was licensed with Columbia Capital Securities from August 2021 to September 2024 and worked at a Los Angeles, California office.  He is also licensed with Vela Consulting, LLC, a registered investment advisory firm, and is also involved with Oak Quarry Management.

Can Columbia Capital Securities Be Responsible for Pugh’s Conduct?

Under FINRA Rule 3110, broker-dealers like Columbia Capital Securities must reasonably supervise the activity of its advisors.  Columbia Capital Securities could be responsible for investor losses if it failed to reasonably supervise its representatives.

Israels & Neuman Helps Investors Recover Money in California

We represent investors throughout the United States as well as California, who have been victims of broker misconduct, unsuitable investment recommendations, and fraud.  We have represented numerous investors in California in the past.  If you were a client of William Nicholas Pugh and believe he acted improperly, you may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration.

• View Pugh’s BrokerCheck Report
• View Pugh’s FINRA AWC

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

All of our arbitration cases are taken on a contingency fee basis, meaning no up-front costs to you.

Call us today at (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798 or fill out our contact form to learn more about your rights.

Complaints Against Michael B. Christiansen

Investors can review the disciplinary history of a financial advisor at www.brokercheck.finra.org.  BrokerCheck discloses that Michael Christiansen has been the subject of two customer complaints (See link below).  One customer case from 2001 settled for $8,000.  Another customer complaint was made in 2010, alleging unauthorized trading of a mutual fund.  The case was settled for $5,000.

Background on Michael Christiansen

Christiansen has been a representative of LPL Financial since January 2015 and has worked for a number of other firms since 2000.  He now works in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.   He operates Christiansen Wealth Management.

Can LPL Financial Be Held Liable for Customer Losses?

Under FINRA rules and regulations, brokerage firms like LPL Financial have an obligation to reasonably supervise the conduct of its financial advisors.  Failure to adhere to these rules and regulations could lead to a firm’s liability for investor losses.

Israels & Neuman Helps Investors in Idaho

Our firm represents investors throughout the United States as well as Idaho, who have been victims of broker misconduct, unsuitable investment recommendations, and fraud.  We’ve represented clients who have lost money in stocks, mutual funds, bonds, and in precious metal investments like silver and gold.  As the price of silver has lost over 40% since January 2026, investments in silver have also lost considerable value.

If you were a client of Michael B. Christiansen and believe he acted improperly, you may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration.

• View his BrokerCheck Report

Contact Israels & Neuman for a Free Consultation

All of our arbitration cases are taken on a contingency fee basis, meaning no up-front costs to you. 

Call us today at (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798 or fill out our contact form to learn more about your rights.

Allegations Against Mohamed Coulibaly

According to a Barron’s report from July 2026, Coulibaly allegedly got athletes to invest in bogus online retail stores.  The e-commerce stores purportedly sold motorized water guns, handheld fans, and smartphone cases.  The fraudulent scheme allegedly left the athletes with over $1 million in losses.  The victims are alleged to include former New York Giants linebacker Tae Crowder, Nakobe Dean and Jalen Carter of the Philadelphia Eagles, former NFL player Terel Edmunds, and soccer player Mark McKenzie.

Background on Mohamed Coulibaly

Mohamed Coulibaly was licensed with Trinity Wealth Securities from April 2025 to March 2026.     He worked in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and also operated a company called Florida Financial Advisors, doing business as Tristate Financial Advisors.

Is Trinity Wealth Securities Liable for Customer Losses?

FINRA standards provide that brokerage firms like Trinity Wealth Securities must reasonably supervise the activities of their financial advisors.   Firms that fail to do so could be responsible for investor losses. 

Israels & Neuman Helps Investors Recover Money in Pennsylvania

We have previously represented professional athletes who have lost money in bad investments.  We represent investors throughout the United States as well as Pennsylvania, who have been victims of broker misconduct, unsuitable investment recommendations, and fraud. If you were a client of Mohamed Coulibaly and believe he acted improperly, you may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration.

• View Coulibaly’s BrokerCheck Report

Contact Israels & Neuman for a Free Consultation

All of our FINRA arbitration cases are taken on a contingency fee basis, meaning no up-front costs to you.  No recovery, No Fees!

Call us today at (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798 or fill out our contact form to learn more about your rights.

Allegations Against Theodore William Byrer

FINRA investigated Theodore Byrer regarding allegations that he engaged in an unsuitable options trading strategy with a client.  It was further alleged that he engaged in discretionary trading without written authorization from the customer to do so.

To settle these allegations, Byrer agreed to a fourteen-month suspension. 

Background on Theodore Byrer

Theodore William Byrer was licensed with Morgan Stanley from November 2013 to April 2023 and worked in Indianapolis, IN.  He was later licensed with International Assets Advisory and American Independent Securities Group.  He has also been the subject of three customer complaints, as well as two bankruptcies and was discharged by Morgan Stanley in March 2023.

Can Morgan Stanley Be Responsible for Advisor Conduct?

Under FINRA Rule 3110, broker-dealers like Morgan Stanley must reasonably supervise the activity of its advisors.  Morgan Stanley could be responsible to its customers for their investment losses if it failed to reasonably supervise him.

Israels & Neuman Helps Investors Recover Money in Indiana

We represent investors in Indiana and throughout the United States, who have been victims of broker misconduct, unsuitable investment recommendations, and fraud.  We have represented numerous investors in Indiana in the past.  If you were a client of Theodore William Byrer and believe he acted improperly, you may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration.

• View Byrer’s BrokerCheck Report
• View Byrer’s FINRA AWC

Contact Israels & Neuman for a Free Consultation

All of our arbitration cases are taken on a contingency fee basis, meaning NO UP FRONT COSTS to you!

Call us today at (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798 for a free and confidential case review. 

Allegations Against Trevor Uhls

FINRA barred Trevor Uhls from the securities industry earlier this year.  FINRA alleged that it began an investigation into the advisor after he was terminated by MML Investors Services for “inaccurate statements provided to the firm concerning a complaint alleging an unauthorized sale of promissory notes”. 

In July 2026, the U.S. government filed a civil complaint against Trevor Uhls in the Western District of Missouri.  Essentially, the government alleged that he committed fraud in the issuance of promissory notes to investors.  It was alleged that he raised $2.1 million total from 24 victims.  Uhls was alleged to have raised funds to make purported investments, but that the money was never put into investments. 

Trevor Uhls Industry History

Trevor Uhls was affiliated with MML Investors Services from May 2023 to January 2026.  He worked in a Lee’s Summit, Missouri office.   

MML Investors Services Responsibility

Pursuant to FINRA Rule 3110, broker-dealers like MML Investors Services must reasonably supervise the activities of their representatives.  If a firm does not adequately supervise their representatives, it could be liable for any investor harm.

Israels & Neuman represents investors in Missouri and throughout the country, who have been victims of broker misconduct, unsuitable investment recommendations, and fraud. 

If you were a client of Trevor Uhls and believe he acted improperly, you may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration.

• View Trevor Uhls FINRA AWC

Contact Israels & Neuman for a Free Consultation

(720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798

FINRA Allegations

FINRA alleged that it initiated an investigation into Raymond Brown after he was “permitted to resign” while under internal investigation from Northwestern Mutual.  According to BrokerCheck, Northwestern Mutual alleged that “The Representative was permitted to resign while under internal review for life insurance sales practices concerns that included, providing clients with incorrect or misleading information, unsuitable life insurance policy sales/overselling policies for the representative’s own benefit, and providing inaccurate income data for clients to ensure suitability.”

These allegations led to a FINRA investigation.  In response to the FINRA investigation, Brown refused to appear for an on-the-record interview, which led to him being barred from the securities industry.

Raymond T. Brown Industry History

Raymond Brown was affiliated with Northwestern Mutual from 2014 to December 2024 and worked in a Frisco, Texas office.  He was also the subject of seven customer complaints since 2024. 

Potential Responsibility of Northwestern Mutual

Pursuant to FINRA Rule 3110, broker-dealers like Northwestern Mutual must reasonably supervise the activities of their representatives.  If the firm did not adequately supervise Brown, it could be liable for any investor harm.

Israels & Neuman Represents Investors in Texas

Our securities and arbitration law firm represents investors throughout the country as well as Texas, who have been victims of broker misconduct, unsuitable investment recommendations, and fraud. 

If you were a client of Raymond T. Brown and believe he acted improperly, you may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration.

• View Raymond Brown FINRA AWC
• View his BrokerCheck Report

Contact Israels & Neuman for a Free Consultation

Call us today at (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798, or fill out our contact form to learn more about your rights. We have experience representing Texas investors and are ready to help you recover what you deserve.

Allegations Against Michael Schoolcraft

In June 2026 FINRA requested documents and information from Schoolcraft during its investigation.  The investigation started after Schoolcraft was terminated by MML Investors Services regarding “personal loan transactions” with customers.  Generally, financial advisors cannot borrow money from customers, with limited exceptions.  After Schoolcraft refused to cooperate with FINRA’s investigation, he was barred from the securities industry.

Background on Michael Schoolcraft

Michael Schoolcraft was licensed with MML Investors Services from May 2016 to May 2026.   He worked in a Lisle, Illinois office.  He also had insurance licenses through Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company.

Is MML Investors Services Potentially Liable for its Advisors’ Conduct?

FINRA standards provide that brokerage firms like MML Investors Services must reasonably supervise the activities of their financial advisors.   Firms that fail to do so could be responsible for investor losses. 

Israels & Neuman Helps Investors in Illinois

We represent investors throughout the United States including Illinois, who have been victims of broker misconduct, unsuitable investment recommendations, and fraud.  Attorney David Neuman is licensed to practice law in Illinois and grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago.  If you were a client of Michael Schoolcraft and believe he acted improperly, you may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration.

• View Schoolcraft’s BrokerCheck Report
• View Schoolcraft’s FINRA AWC

Contact Israels & Neuman for a Free Case Evaluation

Call us today at (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798 or fill out our contact form to learn more about your rights. We regularly represent Illinois investors and are ready to help you recover the money you deserve.

Allegations Against Javier Adolfo Naselli

FINRA’s BrokerCheck discloses that a customer filed a complaint alleging $5 million in damages arising from an investment in a Uruguayan biorefinery.  The customer alleges that the biorefinery investment was unsuitable and was also alleged to have been “sold away”, meaning that he did not have permission from UBS Financial Services to sell this investment.  The complaint was filed in early June 2026.

Background of Javier Naselli

From 2011 to June 2024, Javier Adolfo Naselli was a registered representative of UBS Financial Services.  He was then registered with Creand Securities beginning in August 2025.  Naselli has also been the subject of three other customer complaints throughout his career in the securities industry.   Naselli worked in a New York City office but now works in Miami, Florida.

Responsibility of UBS for Its Advisor’s Conduct

UBS Financial Services, as a FINRA member, has obligations to supervise the conduct of its financial advisors.  If the firm fails to adequately do so, it could be responsible for any investor losses. 

Israels & Neuman Helps Investors Nationwide

Our securities arbitration law firm represents investors throughout the country in arbitration matters, including investors in Florida and New York.  Attorney David Neuman is licensed to practice law in Florida.  If you were a client of Javier Naselli and believe he acted improperly, you may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration.

• View BrokerCheck Report

Contact Israels & Neuman for a Free Case Evaluation

Call us today at (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798 or fill out our contact form to learn more about your rights.

Allegations Against Sung Cho

FINRA started its own investigation into Sung Cho after being fired by Citigroup Global Markets in April 2026.  FINRA alleged that it was investigating allegations as to “whether Cho misappropriated customer funds, forged customer signatures, and falsified firm documents while associated with Ameriprise and Citigroup”.  Cho did not cooperate with FINRA’s investigation, and as such, he was barred under FINRA Rule 8210. 

Citigroup disclosed on BrokerCheck that Cho removed “customer personally identifiable information from firm systems to create non-firm generated statement that was provided to a client as well as refusal to cooperate with an internal investigation”.  In essence, it appears that this advisor was creating statements that were not approved by Citigroup, a sign that he was selling investments that were not approved by Citigroup.

Background on Sung Moo Cho

Sung Cho was licensed with Citigroup Global Markets from October 2025 to April 2026.  He was also previously licensed with Ameriprise Financial Services from January 2021 to October 2025 and worked in a New York, NY office.  He was also the subject of a customer complaint in 2009.

Are Ameriprise and Citigroup Potentially Liable for Customer Losses?

FINRA standards provide that brokerage firms like Ameriprise and Citigroup must reasonably supervise the activities of their financial advisors.   Firms that fail to do so could be responsible for investor losses. 

Israels & Neuman Helps Investors in New York

We represent investors throughout the United States as well as New York, who have been victims of broker misconduct, unsuitable investment recommendations, and fraud.  If you were a client of Sung Moo Cho and believe he acted improperly, you may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration.

• View BrokerCheck Report
• View FINRA AWC

Contact Israels & Neuman for a Free Case Evaluation

Call us today at (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798 or fill out our contact form to learn more about your rights.

What Are the Allegations Against Fabio de Andrade?

According to FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) BrokerCheck, Fabio De Andrade has been the subject of two customer complaints, both of which were made since late 2023.  The most recent complaint alleges damages of $24 million related to investments in government bonds (such as Treasury bills and Treasury bonds) and related products and funds that invested in T-bills and T-notes.  A 2023 complaint was denied by Merrill Lynch.

Background of Fabio de Andrade

From 2004 to June 2026, Fabio De Andrade has been a representative of Merrill Lynch and worked in a Kansas City, Missouri office. 

How Can I Recover My Investment Losses?

Fabio de Andrade can be liable to customers if he made unsuitable investment recommendations or if he misrepresented material risks of an investment.  Merrill Lynch can also be liable for their advisors’ conduct if it failed to reasonably supervise his conduct.

Israels & Neuman represents clients in the Kansas City area as well as nationwide.  We have helped clients recover their investment losses against multiple securities brokerage firms around the country including in Kansas City, MO. 

See Fabio De Andrade’s BrokerCheck Report HERE.

Contact Israels & Neuman for a Free Case Review

If you lost money with Fabio De Andrade or Merrill Lynch, Contact Us at (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798 for a free evaluation of your case.

Our arbitration cases are taken on a contingency fee basis meaning no up-front costs to you. We are here to help you recover the money you deserve.

Allegations Against Michael DeLaFuente

According to FINRA’s BrokerCheck, customers alleged that De La Fuente failed to properly structure their accounts to meet their retirement goals and alleged that they participated in outside investment opportunities in which he did not disclose conflicts.  The customers sought $2.2 million in damages, and the case settled for $1.1 million.

Background on Michael De La Fuente

Michael DeLaFuente was a representative of USCA Securities between 2014 and April 2021.  He has been registered with Mutual Advisors since April 2021 and worked in Austin, Texas. 

What If I Have Investment Losses?

Texas investors have the right to pursue claims through FINRA arbitration, a legal forum designed to help recover funds lost due to broker misconduct or unsuitable investment recommendations.

Michael DeLaFuente may be individually liable for misrepresentation, unsuitable advice, or breach of fiduciary duty. However, USCA Securities or Mutual Advisors may also bear responsibility if they failed to properly supervise DeLaFuente or ignored warning signs.

Israels & Neuman Represents Investors in Austin, Texas

At Israels & Neuman, we have helped investors in Texas and nationwide recover money lost to financial advisor misconduct. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling claims involving brokerage firms and advisory firms.

Find DeLaFuente’s BrokerCheck report here

Free Case Review — Speak to a Securities Fraud Attorney Today

If you invested with Michael DeLaFuente, contact Israels & Neuman for a free case evaluation.

(720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798

Israels & Neuman, a Seattle-based securities arbitration law firm, is reviewing claims regarding Robert Bruce Kersey, who was registered with Moloney Securities  and Berthel Fisher between January 2013 and May 2026.

Customer Allegations Regarding Robert Bruce Kersey

Our firm has been in touch with a former client of Robert Kersey.  The customer alleged that they gave money to Kersey, under the representation that the money would be invested in CDs and Vanguard money market funds.  Kersey then had the customer write a check to Artisan Asset Management, which is his own business in Gig Harbor.  Generally, customers should be writing checks to brokerage firms or specific companies like mutual funds or variable annuities and not directly sending checks to a financial advisor’s own personal business.

The customer has allegedly received statements from Mr. Kersey which did not appear to be from Vanguard.  After the customer complained, Kersey wired money back to the customer.  The customer has since made a complaint to the Washington Department of Financial Institutions regarding this conduct. 

Background on Robert Kersey

From January 2013 to December 2025, Robert Bruce Kersey was a registered representative of Moloney Securities.  He was then registered with Berthel Fisher beginning in December 2025.  However, his registration with Berthel Fisher was terminated in May 2026.   

Responsibility for Kersey’s Conduct

Moloney Securities, as a FINRA member, has obligations to supervise the conduct of its financial advisors.  If the firm fails to adequately do so, it could be responsible for any investor losses.  Moreover, since Berthel Fisher acquired certain assets of Moloney Securities, Berthel Fisher may also have some potential responsibility as a corporate successor to Moloney Securities.

Israels & Neuman Helps Investors in the Greater Puget Sound Area

Our securities arbitration law firm represents investors in Washington and throughout the country in securities and arbitration matters.  Our main office is located in Seattle, WA.  Attorney David Neuman is the founding partner of Israels & Neuman and is licensed to practice law in Washington.  If you were a client of Robert Kersey and believe he acted improperly, you may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration.

• View Kersey BrokerCheck Report

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Call us today at (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798 or fill out our contact form to learn more about your rights. We have experience representing Gig Harbor investors and are ready to help you recover the money you deserve.

FINRA initiated its investigation into John Polemis for allegations that he borrowed $28,000 from a terminally ill customer, without intending to pay it back.  He also placed trades in the customer’s account after the customer died, without prior written authorization, and generated over $3,000 in commissions for himself.

FINRA further alleged that John Polemis had not adequately responded to FINRA’s investigation.  It is a violation of FINRA Rule 8210 to fail to respond to FINRA investigations and can result in being barred from the securities industry. Contact the securities and investment fraud law firm of Israels & Neuman for money recovery options.  

Background on Advisor John Polemis

From April 2022 to March 2024, John Polemis was a registered representative of Park Avenue Securities.  He was later registered with Stirlingshire Investments and Sphinx Investments and worked at an office in San Diego, California. He has also been the subject of two prior customer complaints and had three financial compromises in 2018. 

Is Park Avenue Securities Liable for Customer Losses?

Park Avenue Securities, as a FINRA member, has obligations to supervise the conduct of its financial advisors like John Polemis.  If the firm fails to adequately do so, it could be responsible for any investor losses.

Israels & Neuman Helps Investors in San Diego, California

Our securities arbitration law firm represents investors throughout the country in arbitration matters.  If you were a client of John Polemis and believe he acted improperly, you may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration.

• View FINRA Complaint
• View his BrokerCheck Report

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Call us today at (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798 or fill out our contact form to learn more about your rights. We can help you recover the money you deserve.

Allegations Against Mohammed Karim

FINRA started an investigation into financial advisor, Mohammed Karim of Lakeland, Florida after he was fired by Truist Investment Services in August 2025.  FINRA alleged that it was investigating allegations that Mr. Karim “used the former clients’ credit card for his own personal expenses” and “may have exerted influence over the clients to place his name on external accounts as the beneficiary”.  He did not cooperate with FINRA’s investigation, and as such, he was barred under FINRA Rule 8210. 

Background on Mohammed Karim

Mohammed Karim was licensed with Truist Investment Services from February 2021 to August 2025.   He worked in a Lakeland, Florida office, and has also been charged with theft and scheme to defraud by Polk County, Florida.

Is Truist Investment Services Liable for Customer Investment Losses?

FINRA standards provide that brokerage firms like Truist Investment Services must reasonably supervise the activities of their financial advisors.   Firms that fail to do so could be responsible for investor losses. 

Israels & Neuman Helps Investors in Florida

We represent investors throughout the United States as well as Florida, who have been victims of broker misconduct, unsuitable investment recommendations, and fraud.  Attorney David Neuman is licensed to practice law in Florida. If you were a client of Mohammed Karim and believe your financial advisor acted improperly, you may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration.

• View BrokerCheck Report
• View FINRA AWC

Contact Israels & Neuman for a Free Case Evaluation

Call us today at (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798 or fill out our contact form to learn more about your rights. We are here to help you recover what you deserve.

Allegations Against Alan Ngo

FINRA started its own investigation into Ngo in March 2026.  FINRA alleged that it was investigating whether Alan Ngo engaged in private securities transactions – essentially, whether he was selling investments that were not approved by PFS Investments.  Ngo did not cooperate with FINRA’s investigation, and as such, he was barred under FINRA Rule 8210. 

History

Alan Ngo was licensed with PFS Investments from 2003 to November 2025.     He worked in a Freehold, New Jersey office.  He also sold insurance for Primerica, and he also ran a business called NGO’s Associations, LLC.

PFS Investments Responsibility to Customers

FINRA standards provide that brokerage firms like PFS Investments must reasonably supervise the activities of their financial advisors.   Firms that fail to do so could be responsible for customer investment losses. 

Israels & Neuman Helps Recover Money for Victims in New Jersey

We represent investors throughout the United States as well as New Jersey, who have been victims of broker misconduct, unsuitable investment recommendations, and fraud. If you were a client of Alan Ngo and believe he acted improperly, you may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration with the help of Israels & Neuman.

• View Ngo’s BrokerCheck Report
• View Ngo’s FINRA AWC

Contact Israels & Neuman for a Free Case Evaluation

Call us today at (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798 or fill out our contact form to learn more about your rights.