SEC Unmasks Connecticut-Based Adviser's $5.9 Million Fraud Scheme

Posted on January 2nd, 2024 at 11:45 AM
SEC Unmasks Connecticut-Based Adviser's $5.9 Million Fraud Scheme

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has unveiled a case of alleged fraud involving Connecticut-based unregistered investment adviser John A. Masanotti, Jr., and his company, Middlesex Mortgage Group LLC. The SEC contends that Masanotti and his firm engaged in deceptive practices, duping investors out of at least $5.9 million since 2016.

Masanotti and Middlesex Mortgage Group LLC stand accused of providing false information to investors, leading them to believe their funds were being handled responsibly and generating legitimate returns. The SEC alleges that Masanotti and his company also employed a Ponzi-like structure, using funds from new investors to make payments to existing ones. This scheme served to perpetuate the illusion of a successful investment operation. Moreover, the defendants are accused of misappropriating investor funds for Masanotti's benefit.

As reported by DIWire, Masanotti diverted client funds to pay for mortgages on properties owned by Masanotti's wife in Darien, Connecticut, and Bonita Springs, Florida. Additionally, investor funds were allegedly used to pay down credit card debt, acquire luxury vehicles, and secure a country club membership.

The SEC's complaint identifies Mary A. Ferrara, Masanotti's spouse, as a relief defendant. The SEC has sought certain preliminary relief measures to safeguard the assets of clients and investors affected by the alleged misconduct. Additionally, the SEC seeks disgorgement of all "unjust enrichment" from John A. Masanotti, Jr. and Mary A. Ferrara.

 

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

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, sec

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

Thank You from the bottom of our hearts for all you have done for us. When we realized this was a very bad investment - we did not know where to turn for help. Then we received your name. When we called you - you were so kind to us and then agreed to help us. For this we are so very grateful. The world would be a much nicer place if there were more people like the two of you in it. We will always remember all the help and kindness you have shown us. Thank you so very very much for everything.

Wayne and Judy S.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

September 12, 2025
LPL Broker Fined and Suspended for Recommending Risky Investments to Elderly Client

An LPL Financial broker in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, has agreed to sanctions after FINRA found he violated Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) when recommending unsuitable investments to an elderly customer.

 

September 11, 2025
Montana Federal Judge Allows Family's Premium Financing Claims to Proceed

A federal judge in Montana has allowed a family to move forward with negligence, fraud, and unjust enrichment claims tied to a premium-financed life insurance arrangement valued at $67.5 million.

September 10, 2025
Arizona Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Multi-Million Dollar Ponzi-Style Fraud

An Arizona man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for running a Ponzi-style investment scheme that defrauded more than 100 victims out of millions of dollars, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico.