Category Archives: Investment Fraud
SEC Charges Florida-Based Company Owner With Stock Fraud
On August 21st, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced stock fraud charges against the owner of a Florida company. Carole A. Liston, the sole owner of two investment entities (Stock Purse Trading LLC and Liston Associates, Inc) has been accused of conducting a $5.7 million stock fraud scheme. Here, our Miami investment… Read More »
Miami Broker Barred After Failing to Cooperate Into Investigation into Alleged Misappropriation of Funds
Mario L. Martinez (CRD#: 6144561) is a previously registered securities broker. From October of 2015 to February of 2025, Mr. Martinez was associated with Merrill Lynch in Fort Lauderdale. Earlier this year, he was terminated by the brokerage firm after allegations of misappropriation of funds and other misconduct. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)… Read More »
FINRA Cites Florida Broker-Dealer for Supervisory Failures
AAG Capital, Inc. (CRD #188) is a brokerage firm that is headquartered in Wesley Chapel, Florida and licensed to operate in 51 U.S. states and territories. Recently, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) fined and sanctioned AAG Capital, Inc. for supervisory failures. Here, our Miami investment fraud lawyer provides a more comprehensive overview of… Read More »
FINRA Bars South Florida Broker Who Declined to Cooperate With Investigation
Isaiah Thomas Williams Jr. (CRD#: 6211219) is a previously registered broker and investment adviser. From April of 2017 to January of 2025, Mr. Williams Jr. was a representative of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated in Boca Raton, Florida. He was separated from the firm following allegations of misconduct. As Mr. Williams Jr…. Read More »
SEC Charges Rental Scooter Company in Multi-Million Dollar Securities Fraud Case in Florida
On July 3rd, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced civil securities fraud charges against a rental scooter company. In the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the agency filed a complaint against Cheetah X Inc. (Go X) and its principals, Alexander Debelov and Khodr Salam. According to the… Read More »
FINRA Bars Broker in Relation to Investigation into Undisclosed Outside Business Activities
Mark Frederic Seruya (CRD #1108375) is a previously registered broker and previously registered investment adviser (RIA). He is listed by FINRA as a resident of Sunny Isles, Florida. From June of 2009 to August of 2024, Mr. Seruya was a representative of Morgan Stanley. Recently, FINRA barred this broker for his failure to cooperate… Read More »
SEC File Securities Fraud Charges in $90 Million Real Estate Fraud Case in Florida
On April 25th, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced securities fraud charges in a $90 million real estate fraud case arising out of Florida. Daniel J. Motha and Rishi Kapoor are facing allegations that they defrauded dozens of investors through their company Location Ventures, LLC. Here, our Miami real estate fraud attorney… Read More »
South Florida Broker Barred By FINRA, Allegedly Stuck Customers With his Personal Trading Losses
Gary Steven Costello (CRD#: 6117388) is a previously registered broker. From August of 2016 to May of 2019, he was a representative of Morgan Stanley in Boca Raton, Florida. Subsequently, Mr. Costello served as a registered representative of Oppenheimer & Co., Truist Investment Services, and Aegis Capital Corp. Earlier this year, Mr. Costello was… Read More »
SEC Obtains Securities Fraud Judgment in South Florida
On April 15th, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) obtained a judgment against a Florida-based sports entertainment company in a securities fraud case. Xtreme Fighting Championships, Inc. and its CEO, Steve A. Smith, Jr. stand accused of engaging in a stock fraud scheme. Here, our Miami investment fraud attorney provides a comprehensive overview… Read More »
Florida Broker Barred By FINRA After Failure to Comply With FINRA Arbitration Award
Michael Edwin Magruder (CRD#: 4579211) is a previously registered financial advisor. From July of 2021 to August of 2024, Mr. Magruder was a registered representative of Raymond James & Associates Inc. in Orlando, Florida. In 2024, an investor filed a complaint against this broker. Eventually, this led to his permanent suspension from the securities… Read More »
