Tr?id=566623520170033&ev=PageView&noscript=1

SEC Obtains Final Judgement Against Indianapolis-Based Advisor Over Allegations Of Fraud

Posted on February 16th, 2022 at 12:04 PM
SEC Obtains Final Judgement Against Indianapolis-Based Advisor Over Allegations Of Fraud

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law:

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana has entered a final consent judgement against an Indianapolis-based advisor, George Blankenbaker, and three of his entities who previously were charged with defrauding at least 100 investors out of at least $8 million.


The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a complaint in March 2021 naming Blankenbaker and his entities, StarGrower Commercial Bridge Loan Fund 1 LLC, StarGrower Asset Management LLC, and Blankenbaker Investments Fund 17 LLC. The SEC alleged that Blankenbaker falsely informed investors between August 2016 and May 2019 that their money would be used to fund short-term loans to food exporters in Asia. Blankenbaker additionally informed clients that the purported investments were secured by shipping containers holding the food products, according to the SEC.


The SEC’s complaint further alleges that Blankenbaker provided at least $4 million of investor funds to hemp companies, used nearly $965,000 to make Ponzi-style payments to earlier investors, and misappropriated at least $1.7 million to cover his own personal expenses. The SEC alleges that Blankenbaker’s fraud caused at least 100 investors, including numerous elderly clients, to lose at least $8.1 million.


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

 
 
 

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, sec

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next
Quotes Bigger

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

Jim T.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

1788198557 Law
August 31, 2026
FINRA Suspends Two Former Brokers Over $8 Million Private Securities Transactions

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has suspended two former brokers in Yorba Linda, California, for 10 months and fined each $10,000 over allegations that they participated in the sale of approximately $8 million in promissory notes issued by a private equity fund without their firm's approval, according to AdvisorHub.

1787947445 Law
August 28, 2026
SEC Accuses Goliath Ventures of $425 Million Crypto Investment Ponzi Scheme

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a civil complaint against Goliath Ventures Inc.

1787852053 Law
August 27, 2026
United Capital Revives Lawsuit Against Osaic

According to AdvisorHub, United Capital Financial Advisors has revived its lawsuit against independent broker-dealer Osaic by filing an amended complaint that reframes the dispute around the alleged misuse of confidential information obtained during Osaic's unsuccessful effort to acquire the firm.