Former Broker Indicted for $9.7M Ponzi Scheme Involving Fake Bond Investments

Posted on August 25th, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Former Broker Indicted for $9.7M Ponzi Scheme Involving Fake Bond Investments

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

Federal authorities have indicted former securities broker Edwin Emmett Lickiss Jr., 77, on wire fraud and money laundering charges for allegedly orchestrating a $9.5 million Ponzi scheme involving at least 50 investors.

ThinkAdvisor reports that Lickiss continued soliciting investors through Foundation Financial Group even after the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) suspended his license in 2014 for failing to report tax liens. He ultimately lost his broker’s license in 2016 but allegedly continued offering fraudulent investments until at least September 2024.

Prosecutors claim that Lickiss misled investors by promising access to government and other fictitious bonds that he described as secure, tax-free, and capable of earning unusually high interest rates. He provided fraudulent promissory notes and created the illusion of legitimacy through fabricated investment tracking and periodic “lulling” payments, falsely labeled as interest, using funds taken from new investors.

ThinkAdvisor reports that the indictment also states that Lickiss failed to disclose his FINRA suspension and subsequent loss of licensure to investors—omissions that materially misrepresented the nature of the investment and his qualifications. Prosecutors allege that he used the misappropriated funds for personal expenses, including mortgage payments, travel, home renovations, and credit card bills.

The SEC has filed a parallel civil complaint against Lickiss, alleging even broader misconduct. According to the SEC, from 2018 through August 2024, Lickiss raised approximately $12.7 million from around 80 investors through fraudulent notes offering interest rates between 9 and 32 percent.

 

Eccleston Law LLC represents investors and financial advisors nationwide in securities, employment, transition, regulatory, and disciplinary matters.

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

I just wanted to say thanks again for preparing and executing my case in such a professional manner. It was a pleasure to watch two professionals take such pride in their work, as well as becoming personally in tune with your client (Me). I would personally recommend you and your firm to anyone.

John O.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

November 7, 2025
FINRA Suspends Former Wells Fargo Broker Over Unapproved Real Estate Venture

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) suspended former Wells Fargo broker George J. Cairnes for four months and fined him $25,000 for engaging in unapproved real estate outside business activity, according to a settlement letter issued.

November 6, 2025
Former Ameriprise Broker Ordered to Pay $2.2 Million for Elder Exploitation

A Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration panel has ordered Eric A. Dupre to pay nearly $2.2 million in damages to his former firm and two customers following allegations of theft and elder exploitation.

November 5, 2025
Former Wells Fargo Representative Suspended for Unauthorized Texting and Obstruction

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has suspended former Wells Fargo representative Eyan M. Townsend for one year and fined him $10,000 for using personal text messages to conduct business and attempting to obstruct an internal investigation by deleting those communications.