Securities Fraud Lawyer Blog

FINRA charges David Braeger of Rubicon Capital

In a complaint filed by the FINRA Department of Enforcement in July, 2016 David Braeger of Bayside, Wisconsin was charged with misusing customer funds and failing to return funds to the customers.  The allegations include charges that the Barager misused customer funds intended for an investment in his Rubicon Capital Appreciation Fund.  According to the complaint, Braeger took $30,000 from the customers and failed to return the funds, despite the fact that he had closed Rubicon Capital.  He also represented that Rubicon Capital had been performing soundly, and even provided the customers with statements showing the funds had been invested as initially represented.

The claim filed by FINRA is not final, and until the allegations have been proven in a court of law, no adverse inferences should be drawn.

George Zedan barred by FINRA

In September, 2016, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) announced that George Zedan of Whittier, CA a registered representative formerly with Western International Securities of Glendale, CA and LPL Financial submitted an acceptance, waiver and consent letter whereby he was barred from association with any FINRA member  in any capacity. The FINRA complaint asserted that George Zedan converted funds belonging to an elderly customer in a failed real estate venture.  The complaint details a scheme whereby Zedan received three hundred thousand dollars from his customer, then began using the funds in a manner not agreed upon.  Eventually criminal charges were initiated, then dropped due to the death of the customer.

Registration and disciplinary history

J.R. Gladden suspended by FINRA.

In September, 2016, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) announced that J.R. Gladden of La Mesa, CA a registered representative formerly with Securities Equity Group of El Cajon, CA submitted an acceptance, waiver and consent letter whereby he was suspended from association with any FINRA in any capacity for twelve months. The FINRA complaint alleged that J.R. Gladden participated in private securities transactions concerning sales of Church Fund, LLC and the Church Development Fund without receiving written approval from Securities Equity Group.  Gladden raised over two million dollars for the Church Fund and the Church Development Fund without notifying his firm, or allowing the firm to approve or investigate the circumstances surrounding the outside business activity. In addition, Gladden represented to Securities Equity Group that he was not engaged in any capital raising activities outside the firm.

Registration and disciplinary history

In September, 2016, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) announced that Peter Alcure of Locust Valley, NY a registered representative with Petersen Investments of Locust Valley, NY  submitted an acceptance, waiver and consent letter whereby he was suspended from association with any FINRA for thirty days and fined $30,000. The FINRA complaint alleged that Peter Alcure settled a customer complaint without informing his member firm.  Alcure’s client had complained about losses to him, and rater than involve the firm in the process, which is required under FINRA rules, Allure privately settled the claim by sending the client 21 separate checks.

Registration and disciplinary history

In order to lawfully sell investments to the public,  a registered rep must either be registered or exempt from registration.  Peter Alcure has been registered with Petersen Investments, Inc. since October, 2009.