SEC Obtains Emergency Relief To Halt Alleged Ponzi Scheme

Posted on June 3rd, 2022 at 8:40 AM
SEC Obtains Emergency Relief To Halt Alleged Ponzi Scheme

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law:

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has successfully obtained emergency relief, including asset freezes, against two investment advisory firms and their owners for allegedly selling pre-IPO shares that they did not own. 

The SEC has charged StraightPath Venture Partners, StraightPath Management, Brian Martinsen, Michael Castillero, Francine Lanaia, and Eric Lachow with allegedly collecting unauthorized fees and commingling investor funds. The defendants generated at least $410 million from nearly 2,200 investors through an unregistered advisory firm between November 2017 and February 2022, according to the SEC. The SEC additionally alleged that the defendants falsely informed investors that each investment would be kept separate and that there would be no upfront fees. 

However, the defendants proceeded to commingle investor funds and fraudulently collect at least $75 million, according to the SEC. The SEC also alleged that the defendants concealed from investors that Castillero and Lanaia were illegally operating the funds because they were each previously barred from the industry. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) barred Castillero in 2019 and Lanaia in 2018. The SEC’s complaint seeks permanent injunctive relief, disgorgement and civil penalties. 

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

 
 
 

Tags: eccleston law, sec, ponzi scheme

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

As a financial advisor with over 20 years of experience, I feel fortunate to call Jim my attorney and friend. He is a fantastic lawyer and trusted advisor. He is skilled in the matters necessary to do the job well. He uses his thoughtful approach and calm demeanor to achieve a positive outcome for the client. If you want to feel confident that nothing will be missed and that you will be represented in a highly professional manner, call Jim Eccleston.

Bill C. and Dan M.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

November 4, 2025
FINRA Suspends Former Morgan Stanley Advisor Over $180,000 in Improper Transfers

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) suspended former Morgan Stanley advisor C.J. Kline for two years and imposed a $5,000 fine for allegedly executing more than $180,000 in improper fund transfers between his personal and brokerage accounts.

November 3, 2025
Former Florida Broker Pleads Guilty in $2.7 Million Investment Fraud and PPP Loan Scheme

Former Florida broker Jared Dean Eakes, 34, of Jacksonville, has pleaded guilty to wire and bank fraud in connection with a $2.7 million investment scam and a separate scheme involving over $4.75 million in fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, according to U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida.

October 31, 2025
Department of Labor Sued Over Illegitimate Deferred Compensation Opinion Letter

Three former Morgan Stanley advisors filed suit this week against the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), claiming the agency exceeded its authority and was unduly influenced when it issued an advisory opinion that sought to undermine their deferred compensation claims.