Ohio - Israels & Neuman, PLC

Stephen Franko of Independence Capital Suspended for GWG Sales

Israels & Neuman, PLC — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 19:27:37 GMT

The investment fraud law firm is looking into allegations involving Stephen M. Franko. Contact us at 720-599-3505 if you feel you suffered losses.

Allegations Regarding the Suspension

FINRA bought an administrative complaint against Stephen M. Franko and Thomas Scheiman (both of whom worked at Independence Capital Co. in Mount Vernon, Ohio) regarding their sales of GWG L Bonds. GWG filed for bankruptcy in 2022, causing significant losses for investors. Franko was alleged to have recommended GWG L Bonds to three investors, totaling $195,000.

FINRA alleged that these recommendations were not in the customers’ best interests. To settle these allegations, Franko agreed to a three month suspension, a $5,000 fine, and disgorgement of $5,640, which equaled the commissions he earned on selling the GWG bonds.

Background on Stephen M. Franko

Stephen Franko has been a representative of Independence Capital Co. since 2000. He has worked at Mount Vernon and Parma, Ohio offices.

Can Independence Capital Co. Be Responsible for Investor Losses?

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

We Help Investors in Ohio

Israels & Neuman represents investors in Ohio, and nationwide, who have been victims of broker misconduct, unsuitable investment recommendations, and fraud. If you were a client of Stephen Franko and believe he acted improperly, you may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration.

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

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

RONALD SAGASSER of Western and Southern Life Insurance is BARRED

Israels & Neuman, PLC — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 20:53:56 GMT

Ronald Sagasser, Formerly with Western and Southern Life Insurance, Barred from Securities Industry

MIAMISBURG, OHIO

Have you invested with advisor Ronald Sagasser in Miamisburg, Ohio? Our investment fraud law firm is looking into claims made against Ronald Sagasser. He was recently barred by FINRA from the securities industry because he failed to respond to a FINRA investigation. The investigation started when Sagasser was fired by W&S Brokerage Services (an affiliate of Western and Southern Life Insurance) in June 2022 for borrowing money from an insurance client and creating and signing a promissory note with that client.

Ronald Sagasser had been a broker with W&S Brokerage Services from May 2018 to June 2022. He worked in Miamisburg, Ohio.

Under FINRA’s rules, including Rule 8210, Ron Sagasser must respond to FINRA investigations. Likewise, W&S Brokerage Services must adequately monitor the conduct of its advisors. If it failed to adequately supervise their advisors, the firm could be responsible for financial losses.

Israels & Neuman is an investment fraud and securities arbitration law firm that has represented over 1,000 investors in the past. We represent investors throughout the country, including in Ohio.

View Sagasser, r FINRA AWC

View Sagasser, r BrokerCheck 7.7.23

If you lost money with Ronald Sagasser or Western and Southern Life Insurance, contact the law firm of ISRAELS & NEUMAN at (206) 795-5798 for a Free evaluation of your case.

DANIEL LAULETTA of MML Investors is BARRED

Israels & Neuman, PLC — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 16:23:49 GMT

Daniel Lauletta, formerly with MML Investors Services, Barred by Arkansas

CLEVELAND, OHIO

Did you invest with financial advisor, Daniel Lauletta of Cleveland, Ohio? The securities and investment fraud law firm of Israels & Neuman is reviewing allegations made by the Arkansas Securities Department, against Daniel Lauletta. Arkansas revoked his securities license regarding allegations that he breached his fiduciary duty to customers. In particular, Arkansas alleged that he advised two customers to liquidate securities to purchase unsuitable insurance products and annuities.

Daniel Lauletta had been affiliated with MML Investors Services from March 2017 to April 2022. He worked in a Cleveland, Ohio office. Lauletta has also been the subject of six customer complaints, and he was terminated by MML Investors Services after it learned of the Arkansas investigation.

MML Investors Services must reasonably supervise the activities of its representatives. The brokerage firm could be held liable for Lauletta’s conduct if it failed to reasonably supervise him.

Israels & Neuman PLC is an investment fraud law firm that represents investors all over the country in FINRA arbitration. We have represented numerous investors in Ohio in the past, and we have also had prior claims against MML Investors Services.

View Lauletta, d BrokerCheck 6.28.23

If you lost money with Daniel Lauletta or MML Investors Services, please Contact Us at 206-795-5798 for a free evaluation of your case.

WARNING! Advisor RITA MANSOUR Involved in CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS

Israels & Neuman, PLC — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 21:43:53 GMT

TOLEDO, OHIO

Have you lost money with financial advisor Rita Mansour Of McDonald Partners in Toledo, Ohio? We are looking into allegations made by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against Rita Mansour. The SEC alleged that Mansour sold investments in two pooled investment vehicles, the purpose of which was to then invest in a resort in Montenegro. After discovering that a point-person of the investment had misappropriated over $400,000, Mansour continued to sell these investments without disclosing the misappropriation to investors. To settle these allegations, she agreed to pay a $40,000 penalty, $22,968 in disgorgement, and $4,884 in interest.

Rita Mansour has been a financial advisor and registered representative of McDonald Partners from 2006 to the present. She worked at a branch office in Toledo, Ohio. Mansour has also been the subject of four customer complaints.

Brokerage firms like McDonald Partners have a responsibility to adequately supervise all representatives who are registered through their firm. Brokerage firms also must take steps to ensure that their financial advisors follow all securities rules and regulations, as well as internal firm policies. When brokerage firms fail to adequately supervise their registered representatives, they may be liable for investment losses sustained by customers.

Israels & Neuman PLC is a securities and investment fraud law firm with offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Denver, Colorado; Seattle, Washington; and Phoenix, Arizona. We represent investors in FINRA arbitration proceedings in all 50 states, including investors in Ohio. Our attorneys have represented over one thousand investors against many brokerage firms in the past.

Click HERE to view Mansour, R BrokerCheck Report

Click HERE to view Mansour SEC Order

IF YOU LOST MONEY WITH RITA MANSOUR OR McDONALD PARTNERS, CALL THE LAW FIRM OF ISRAELS & NEUMAN FOR MONEY RECOVERY OPTIONS. (720) 599-3505

Warning: RODNEY WASHINGTON of UBS Financial is BARRED – Ohio

Israels & Neuman, PLC — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 21:45:59 GMT

NEW ALBANY, OHIO

Have you lost money with financial advisor Rodney Washington, formerly with UBS Financial Services, in New Albany, Ohio? We are investigating allegations made by FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, against Rodney D. Washington. FINRA barred Washington from the securities industry after he failed to respond to a FINRA investigation. FINRA was investigating Washington for allegations that he engaged in undisclosed outside business activities.

Rodney Washington was a financial advisor and registered representative of UBS Financial Services from 1994 to April 2021. He worked at a branch office in New Albany, Ohio. Washington has also been the subject of three customer complaints and a 2018 bankruptcy.

Brokerage firms like UBS Financial Services have a responsibility to adequately supervise all representatives who are registered through their firm. Brokerage firms also must take steps to ensure that their financial advisors follow all securities rules and regulations, as well as internal firm policies. When brokerage firms fail to adequately supervise their registered representatives, they may be liable for investment losses sustained by customers.

Israels & Neuman PLC is a securities and investment fraud law firm with offices in Denver, Colorado; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Phoenix, Arizona; and Seattle, Washington. We represent investors in FINRA arbitration proceedings in all 50 states, including investors in Ohio. Our attorneys have represented over one thousand investors against many brokerage firms in the past, including UBS Financial Services.

Click HERE to view Washington, R BrokerCheck Report

Click HERE to view Washington FINRA AWC

If you lost money with Rodney Washington or UBS Financial Services, please Contact Us at 720-599-3505 for a free evaluation of your case.

WARNING: William LeBoeuf of Merrill Lynch and Cetera SUSPENDED

Israels & Neuman, PLC — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 22:22:45 GMT

MIAMISBURG, OHIO

Have you lost money with financial advisor William LeBoeuf, formerly with Merrill Lynch, in Miamisburg, Ohio? We are investigating allegations made by FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, against William LeBoeuf. FINRA suspended LeBoeuf from the securities industry for one year and fined him $12,500. FINRA was investigating LeBoeuf for allegations that he engaged in undisclosed outside business activities and private securities transactions.

LeBoeuf allegedly created Accelerate Capital Partners LLC, the purpose of which was to facilitate investments in another company. LeBoeuf also solicited investments in the company to 12 investors. In August 2019, three investors invested $750,000 in the company’s promissory notes.

William LeBoeuf was a financial advisor and registered representative of Merrill Lynch from 2009 to March 2019. He was also with Cetera Advisor Networks from March 2019 to December 2019. He worked at a branch office in Miamisburg, Ohio. He was also terminated by Cetera Advisor Networks in 2019, and he was also a board member of Consumer Optix.

Brokerage firms like Merrill Lynch and Cetera Advisor Networks have a responsibility to adequately supervise all representatives who are registered through their firm. Brokerage firms also must take steps to ensure that their financial advisors follow all securities rules and regulations, as well as internal firm policies. When brokerage firms fail to adequately supervise their registered representatives, they may be liable for investment losses sustained by customers.

VIew LeBoeuf, W. BrokerCheck Report

If you lost money with William LeBoeuf, Cetera Advisor Networks, or Merrill Lynch, please Contact Us at 720-599-3505 for a free evaluation of your case.

UPDATE! JAMES SIMPSON of Equitable (AXA) Advisors is BARRED

Israels & Neuman, PLC — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 18:42:29 GMT

James Simpson, Formerly with Equitable (AXA) Advisors, Already Facing Federal Fraud Charges, Now Barred by FINRA

TOLEDO, OHIO Have you lost money with financial advisor James Simpson, formerly with Equitable Advisors (previously AXA Advisors) in Toledo, Ohio? We are continuing to look into allegations made against James Earl Simpson. In November 2021, Simpson was barred from the securities industry by FINRA. FINRA barred Simpson after he failed to respond to its investigation concerning his recent fraud charges.

In September 2021, Simpson was charged with fraud by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio. Simpson was alleged to have misappropriated $400,000. Simpson was “permitted to resign” by Equitable Advisors in August 2021. It was alleged that Simpson misappropriated client funds and allegedly sold an unsuitable annuity.

James Simpson was with Equitable Advisors (formerly AXA Advisors) from 1980 to August 2021. He has worked at branch offices in Toledo, Ohio. Simpson was also the subject of two customer complaints.

Brokerage firms like Equitable Advisors have a responsibility to adequately supervise all representatives who are registered through their firm. Brokerage firms also must take steps to ensure that their financial advisors follow all securities rules and regulations, as well as internal firm policies. When brokerage firms fail to adequately supervise their registered representatives, they may be liable for investment losses sustained by customers.

Israels & Neuman PLC is a securities and investment fraud law firm with offices in Denver, Colorado; Seattle, Washington; Phoenix, Arizona; and Ann Arbor, Michigan. We represent investors in FINRA arbitration proceedings in all 50 states, including investors in Ohio. Our attorneys have represented over one thousand investors against many brokerage firms in the past.

If you lost money with James Simpson or Equitable (AXA) Advisors, contact the law firm of ISRAELS & NEUMAN at (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798 for a Free evaluation of your case.

ALBERT DeGAETANO of Edward Jones Accused of Making Unauthorized Account Transactions

Israels & Neuman, PLC — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 17:10:18 GMT

BRECKSVILLE, OHIO Have you lost money with financial advisor Albert DeGaetano, formerly with Edward Jones in Brecksville, Ohio? We are looking into allegations made against Albert DeGaetano. DeGaetano was suspended from the securities industry for six months and fined $7,500 by FINRA. FINRA was investigating whether DeGaetano had exercised discretion in a customer’s account without written authority to do so. DeGaetano was alleged to have made 470 unauthorized transactions.

Albert DeGaetano was with Edward Jones from September 2015 to February 2019. He is now with Sowell Management. He has worked at branch offices in Brecksville, Ohio. DeGaetano has also been the subject of one customer complaint, and he was also fired by Edward Jones and another firm.

Brokerage firms like Edward Jones have a responsibility to adequately supervise all representatives who are registered through their firm. Brokerage firms also must take steps to ensure that their financial advisors follow all securities rules and regulations, as well as internal firm policies. When brokerage firms fail to adequately supervise their registered representatives, they may be liable for investment losses sustained by customers.

Click here to view A. DeGaetano BrokerCheck Report

If you lost money with Albert DeGaetano or Edward Jones, contact the law firm of ISRAELS & NEUMAN at (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798 for a Free evaluation of your case.

Investigation of DAVID MAUTE of Allstate – Springfield, OH

Israels & Neuman, PLC — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 15:25:58 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, OHIO – Have you lost money with financial advisor David Maute, formerly of Allstate Financial Services in Springfield, Ohio? We are looking into allegations made against David Maute. David Maute was terminated by Allstate Financial Services after he was alleged to have arranged a loan between himself and a customer. Generally financial advisors cannot enter into loans with customers, with limited exceptions, and they must get permission from their brokerage firm to do so.

David Maute was a registered representative of Allstate Financial Services from 2000 to May 2021. He has worked at branch offices in Springfield, Ohio.

Brokerage firms like Allstate Financial Services have a responsibility to adequately supervise all representatives who are registered through their firm. Brokerage firms also must take steps to ensure that their financial advisors follow all securities rules and regulations, as well as internal firm policies. When brokerage firms fail to adequately supervise their registered representatives, they may be liable for investment losses sustained by customers.

Click to view BrokerCheck: Maute, David BrokerCheck 6.17.21

If you lost money with David Maute or Allstate Financial Services, contact the law firm of ISRAELS & NEUMAN at (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798 for a Free evaluation of your case.