JP Turner Broker Barred by the SEC for Fraudulent Investment Scheme

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced that it has accepted an Offer of Settlement submitted by Levi Lindemann in which he is barred from the securities industry for allegedly operating a fraudulent scheme through his private company, Gershwin Financial, Inc. and his sole proprietorship, Alternative Wealth Solutions.  The SEC alleged in its complaint that Levi Lindemann, of West Lakeland, Minnesota, raised approximately $976,000 from six investors, including elderly individuals, and told the investors that their money would be used to purchase various investments including notes and interests in a unit investment trust (UIT).  The SEC complaint alleged that in reality, none of Mr. Lindemann’s purported investments were ever made. Mr. Lindemann is a former registered representative with J.P. Turner & Company, LLC (J.P. Turner).  His BrokerCheck report shows that Mr. Lindemann is currently involved in four (4) pending customer disputes while he was employed by J.P. Turner for allegations including breach of fiduciary duty, misrepresentations, violation of Minnesota Uniform Securities Act, and negligence.

Continue Reading

California Broker Barred for Unsuitable Mutual Fund Switching

Leonard Goldberg of Rancho Mirage, California submitted an offer of settlement to the Department of Enforcement of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for an alleged mutual fund “switching” scheme. In June 1986, the NYSE fined Mr. Goldberg $25,000 and suspended him for misconduct similar to these FINRA allegations. Mr. Goldberg acted as a GSR, GSP and OP for FINRA member firm Newport Coast Securities Inc. (Newport) from October 22, 2010 through his termination in November 2014 for failing to follow procedures. FINRA investigators found that from August 2007 through August 2014, while associated with Newport and J.P. Turner & Company, LLP, Mr. Goldberg caused over $123,600 in losses to five customers in connection with 300 mutual fund and Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) transactions that netted him $77,900 in ill-gotten gains. FINRA alleged that over the five year period, Mr. Goldberg engaged in a practice of fraudulent and unsuitable short term switches of Class A mutual funds in client accounts.

Continue Reading