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

Unregistered Advisors Perpetrate Scheme While Concealing Disciplinary Histories

Posted on April 22nd, 2022 at 1:48 PM
Unregistered Advisors Perpetrate Scheme While Concealing Disciplinary Histories

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law:

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed suit against two unregistered advisors for hiding their disciplinary records from investors while engaging in a scheme that generated at least $9 million. 

Joseph DeVito and Dean Esposito allegedly solicited investments in Property Income Investors LLC, which purportedly was created to purchase and renovate multifamily properties. However, the SEC alleges that the sales were completed in violation of orders entered after past SEC enforcement actions, according to the suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. DeVito and Esposito allegedly failed to inform potential investors about their disciplinary records, “including that they were enjoined from violating the offering and broker-dealer registration provisions and the antifraud provisions of both the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and had full associational and penny stock bars entered against them”, according to the SEC. 

The SEC further alleged that the unregistered advisors referred to themselves as “Dean Anthony” and “Salvatore DeVito” when talking to potential investors in an effort to hide their true identities and disciplinary histories. Property Income Investors paid Esposito and DeVito commissions of $245,750 and $246,750, respectively, according to the SEC. 

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

 

Tags: eccleston law, sec, financial advisors

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next
Quotes Bigger

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

1775253477 Law
April 3, 2026
FINRA Enforcement Trends Show Higher Monetary Sanctions Despite Fewer Cases in 2025

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) increased total monetary sanctions in 2025, even as the number of enforcement actions declined.

1775060885 Law
April 1, 2026
Florida FINRA Arbitration Panel Orders Charles Schwab to Pay $3.8 Million to Investors

A Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration panel has ordered Charles Schwab & Co.

1774973592 Law
March 31, 2026
Cybersecurity Breach at Edelman Financial Engines Highlights Growing Risks for Advisory Firms

A recent cybersecurity incident involving Edelman Financial Engines has drawn attention to the increasing number of cyberattacks targeting registered investment advisers, according to Financial Advisor News.