Former Rubicon Wealth Management President Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charges

Posted on February 20th, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Former Rubicon Wealth Management President Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charges

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

Scott Mason, former president of Rubicon Wealth Management, pleaded guilty to multiple fraud charges after federal prosecutors accused him of misappropriating over $17 million from clients, including his own widowed aunt. ThinkAdvisor reports that Mason entered his plea in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia less than two weeks after facing both criminal and civil charges from federal prosecutors and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Between December 2016 and April 2024, Mason allegedly funneled millions from 13 Rubicon clients into personal accounts, funding international travel, country club memberships, credit card bills, and even purchasing a stake in a miniature golf course. Additionally, Mason used stolen funds to repay another Rubicon client, preventing them from uncovering a second fraudulent scheme, according to court documents.

Mason’s victims included high-net-worth individuals and longtime clients. His aunt, Star Sitron, and former AXA Equitable CFO Stanley B. Tulin previously filed civil sued him, with Tulin alleging that Mason and Rubicon converted over $20 million from him and his wife.

Civil lawsuits against Mason continue, with plaintiffs seeking full restitution. Benjamin Picker, attorney for several victims, expressed confidence that Mason will face appropriate sentencing and repayment obligations. While currently free on $100,000 bail, Mason has surrendered his passport and is prohibited from owning firearms. His sentencing is set for May 13.

Mason faces a maximum sentence of 80 years in prison and a $6.76 million fine, though prosecutors are expected to seek a sentence within the lower range of federal guidelines.

Stephen Miller, attorney for Tulin and co-chair of white-collar defense at Cozen O' Connor, suggested that Mason’s theft may exceed $25 million, significantly impacting Philadelphia’s cultural and philanthropic communities, as many victims were charitable and community-minded individuals.

Mason resigned from Rubicon in August 2023 amid financial misconduct allegations. His guilty plea underscores the severe consequences of advisor fraud and the SEC’s commitment to investor protection.

 

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 cannot thank you enough for your efforts. You have proven to be a valuable resource.

Jim T.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

January 30, 2026
FINRA Arbitration Panel Orders J.P. Morgan to Amend Form U-5, Flags Potential Pattern of Conduct

A Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration panel recently issued an unusually detailed decision in a dispute between J.P. Morgan Securities and former advisor Joshua David Sappi Biering, shedding rare light on how a firm may deploy - and sometimes abuse - the Form U-5 during advisor departures.

January 29, 2026
OFAC Targets Individual Trustee, Sending a Clear Warning to Fiduciaries and Family Offices

In a rare move, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) penalized a former U.S. government official, underscoring that professional gatekeepers can face personal liability for sanctions violations tied to trust administration.

January 28, 2026
FINRA Advances Overhaul of Outside Business Activity Rules to the SEC

FINRA formally has advanced its proposed overhaul of outside business activity (OBA) regulations to the Securities and Exchange Commission.