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

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
Quotes Bigger

We just wanted to say thanks for your work in helping us get back some of the money we lost. We are not by any means rich, but we have saved some money and we have done so through a tight-fisted approach to most everything we do. So losing a significant chunk of money hurt…especially at a time when everyone else was growing their accounts. We really appreciate the work you did.

Allan and Adele

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

1782744905 Law
June 29, 2026
Former Arvest Wealth Representative Sanctioned by FINRA Over Improper Use of Mistaken Commission Payment

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has suspended former Arvest Wealth representative Brandon Still for 18 months and fined him $5,000 after determining that he improperly used firm funds that were mistakenly deposited into his account.

1782497406 Law
June 26, 2026
FINRA Seeks to Make Remote Inspection Program Permanent

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is seeking approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to make its pandemic-era remote inspections program permanent before the current pilot is scheduled to expire in June 2027, according to AdvisorHub and FINRA's summary of its recent Board of Governors meeting.

1782400213 Law
June 25, 2026
SEC Alleges Illinois Investment Adviser Misappropriated Investor Funds and Concealed Losses

According to a litigation release published on SEC.gov, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged John Sterling Myers and his firms, Sterling Capital, LLC and Sterling Capital Management, LLC, with orchestrating a multi-year fraud involving investor funds held in a pooled investment vehicle.