Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. is investigating investor losses tied to Hartman Real Estate Investment Trusts, including situations where shares cannot be sold. Our attorneys handle illiquid, high-yield REIT disputes and pursue recovery through FINRA arbitration and related securities litigation. Contact our firm for a free consultation to discuss potential claims against broker-dealers.
Continue ReadingAttorney Robert Wayne Pearce reports the firm represents an investor pursuing arbitration against Centaurus Financial over alleged misconduct by Joseph Michael Todd. The page summarizes an SEC lawsuit alleging Todd misappropriated at least $3 million from Centaurus customers by directing checks to his entities and himself then using funds personally. It outlines selling-away and allegations.
Continue ReadingA securities lawyer focuses on laws and regulations governing investors, brokers, and financial advisors. These attorneys help investors pursue recovery when misconduct or fraud causes losses, and they defend brokers or advisors facing complaints by clients or employers. Securities laws, enforced by the SEC, aim to prevent fraud and keep markets fair and transparent overall.
Continue ReadingJ.P. Morgan Securities faces a FINRA arbitration claim alleging former vice-chairman Edward Turley used a highly leveraged, one-size-fits-all strategy in clients’ retail margin accounts. Claimants seek about $55.6 million plus interest and punitive damages, alleging misrepresentations, unsuitable trading, and unauthorized discretion. The post notes prior awards/settlements and reports Turley was barred by FINRA in 2022.
Continue ReadingYes—you may sue a financial advisor or broker when misconduct, negligence, or fraud caused your losses. Many disputes proceed through FINRA arbitration, where panels review testimony, documents, and suitability, disclosure, and fiduciary-duty issues. Common claims include unsuitable recommendations, misrepresentations, unauthorized trading, churning, and failure to diversify. Acting promptly matters because deadlines can bar recovery.
Continue ReadingGWG Holdings created and sold nearly $2 billion in unrated, illiquid L Bonds marketed as high-yield income. When GWG entered Chapter 11, many investors faced losses and missed interest payments. Bankruptcy does not necessarily bar claims against broker-dealers for misrepresentations, unsuitable recommendations, inadequate due diligence, or negligence, often pursued through FINRA arbitration to seek recovery.
Continue ReadingInvestment fraud is a white-collar crime that occurs when someone misleads or deceives an investor for financial gain. This guide explains common schemes—Ponzi and pyramid tactics, promissory note fraud, crypto scams, real estate traps, and social media pitches—plus warning signs, investor rights, and practical steps to protect your portfolio and pursue recovery through legal claims.
Continue ReadingOur structured products lawyers help investors pursue recovery after losses from structured notes and complex derivatives. Many disputes involve misrepresentation of risks, missing disclosures, unsuitable recommendations, or dangerous overconcentration. We evaluate term sheets, prospectuses, and account records, then pursue claims through FINRA arbitration or mediation for fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and failure to supervise.
Continue ReadingStructured notes are complex investments issued by financial institutions as unsecured obligations whose payout is tied to an underlying asset like an index, ETF, or stock. Returns depend on the note’s features and the asset’s performance, and liquidity before maturity may be limited. Investors should review the term sheet and risks before buying any one.
Continue ReadingDaily Business Review Monday, December 9, 2013 ARBITRATION AWARD AGAINST WELLS FARGO RECOVERS MOST OF FAMILY’S LOSSES Mediation and arbitration are supposed to be faster and more cost-effective than going to court. However, it was neither in a case involving the theft of millions of dollars from College Health and Investment L.P., a family-run limited partnership. The case took more than three years to resolve as attorneys for Wachovia Securities, now part of Wells Fargo, used numerous delaying tactics before ultimately paying a $2.75 million arbitration award, said Boca Raton securities attorney Robert W. Pearce, who represented College Health. The case grew out of Wells Fargo’s failure to detect the alleged theft and unauthorized transactions of millions of dollars by Esther Spero, whose aunt, Shari Jakobowitz, was in charge of the partnership’s accounts. Spero was accused of misusing the family’s financial information to steal about $7 million, which she in turn lost to one-time Miami Beach developer Michael Stern, who was supposed to be investing in real estate. Instead, Stern allegedly used the money to pay off his own debts after the real estate crash while funding a lavish lifestyle. Pearce traced most of the money and made recoveries in state court against Stern, a title company, Spero and Wachovia. “They came up a bit short, but we came close to getting most of their money back,” Pearce said. Then, in July, a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority arbitration panel ordered Wells Fargo to pay $2.75 million in damages and interest for failing to detect Spero’s alleged embezzlement. Pearce alleged bank employees went so far as to create a false power of attorney to give Spero control over the account that held most of the assets. Had the bank enforced its own policies and procedures, as well as FINRA’s rules, it would have detected the embezzlement, Pearce argued. “The bank had numerous red flags. It should have made inquiries to stop the movement of funds,” Pearce said.
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