Former Charlotte Broker Pleads guilty to $2.5M Ponzi Scheme

Posted on August 15th, 2014 at 9:00 AM

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law Offices:

Claude Darrell McDougal, a former registered investment advisor from Charlotte, pleaded guilty to orchestrating a Ponzi scheme.

In 2005, McDougal created US Financial Alliance Consultants LLC, which was not registered as a securities dealer in North Carolina. He defrauded investors (who often were elderly and who had invested their life savings) by telling them to invest in his company and by promising fixed rates of return of 6 percent to 15 percent annually.

However, McDougal invested only about one half of the investors’ money. The other supposed payoutsactually were funds from new investors, not profits generated by investing clients’ money. McDougal used about $1.19 million of investors’ money to support his own lifestyle.

The attorneys of Eccleston Law Offices represent investors and advisers nationwide in securities and employment matters. Our attorneys draw on a combined experience of nearly 50 years in delivering the highest quality legal services.

Related Attorneys: James J. Eccleston

Tags:

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

I learned two important things working with Eccleston Law. First, I made a friend and ally with Jim and Steph for life. Secondly, and this is a crucial life lesson - if you need counsel, then seek out the very best. Jim was referred to me by a most trusted source. I've never had to hire an attorney for anything. Now, I know the value of hiring an important partner. Meticulous, thorough and detailed in preparation is the best way to describe Jim. Brilliant too, I might add. Bottom line, I would highly highly recommend Jim and Stephany for your legal needs. One of the best life decisions I've ever made.

Howard S.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

April 17, 2024
B. Riley Financial Again Delays Filing Audited Results

B. Riley Financial Inc. has encountered a setback in filing its audited results within an extended timeframe, adding to existing pressure amid concerns raised by short sellers regarding its association with a former business partner.

April 16, 2024
Former Wells Fargo Advisor Accepts Industry Bar Amidst Misuse of Client Funds Allegations

A former advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network (FiNet) in Chicago, Jayson R. Pocius, has agreed to accept an industry bar rather than cooperate with a
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) investigation into allegations of misusing client funds.

April 15, 2024
Commonwealth Financial Network Faces Potential Damages Amid SEC Lawsuit

Commonwealth Financial Network is under fire, as it faces potential damages amounting to $111.5 million from a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) complaint filed nearly five years ago.