SEC Files Fraud Charges Against Financial Advisor for Exploiting Elderly Clients

Posted on June 7th, 2023 at 1:17 PM
SEC Files Fraud Charges Against Financial Advisor for Exploiting Elderly Clients

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged Douglas McKelvey, a former Morgan Stanley financial advisor, with fraud for misappropriating more than $1.7 million from two elderly customers who were his close relatives.

According to the SEC complaint, from June 2013 to February 2022, McKelvey initiated over 300 fraudulent and unauthorized disbursements of funds from the two customers' accounts to make payments on credit cards McKelvey and his wife used to pay their personal expenses. The complaint also alleges that McKelvey sold securities from the customers' accounts to generate some funds he misappropriated and took steps to conceal his misconduct.

The SEC's complaint accuses McKelvey of violating the antifraud provisions of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5. The Commission is seeking several forms of legal action, including permanent injunctive relief, the disgorgement of allegedly ill-gotten gains along with prejudgment interest, and a civil penalty. In addition to the civil penalties, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Texas has announced criminal charges against McKelvey, which has pled guilty.

 

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 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

January 9, 2026
FINRA Sanctions Former Wells Fargo Advisor for Profile Falsification and Unauthorized Trading

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) disciplined former Wells Fargo Advisors broker James E. Holmes III for misconduct tied to his falsifying customer information and unauthorized trading.

January 8, 2026
Georgia Investment Advisor Pleads Guilty to Ponzi Scheme

A former Georgia investment adviser has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after federal prosecutors accused his firm of operating a multiyear Ponzi scheme that cost investors millions of dollars, as reported by Financial Advisor News.

January 7, 2026
FINRA Releases 2026 Regulatory Oversight Report, Spotlighting Private Placement Compliance Risks

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) released its 2026 Annual Regulatory Oversight Report, responding directly to member feedback and reinforcing its stated mission to protect investors and promote market integrity.