The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced it has charged Steven L. Hamilton and Verde Retirement LLC, Verde FX Nevada, LLC, Covenant Capital Partners with securities fraud for defrauding at least 23 investors out of $1.6 million in a series of Ponzi schemes.
The SEC alleges from 2007 through February 2011, Hamilton solicited investors through the internet and via direct solicitation. The SEC’s complaint alleges that Hamilton told Covenant Capital investors they were investing in real estate loans secured by deeds of trust, told Verde Retirement investors they were investing in either real estate loans secured by deeds of trust, certificates of deposit, and told Verde FX investors they were pooling their money to invest in the construction of a new FedEx distribution facility in Las Vegas, Nevada.
According to the SEC’s complaint, Hamilton never placed any investor money in real estate loans secured by deeds of trust, certificates of deposit or a FedEx facility. Instead, Hamilton used the $1.6 million he raised to pay his personal living expenses and return capital to investors.
SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) lawyers specialize in navigating the complex regulatory landscape of securities law in the United States. These legal professionals play a crucial role in ensuring that companies comply with federal securities regulations, which are designed to protect investors and maintain the integrity of financial markets.
An SEC lawyer’s responsibilities include advising clients on matters related to securities offerings, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and compliance with SEC rules. They also represent clients in investigations and enforcement actions brought by the SEC, where they defend against allegations of securities fraud, insider trading, and other violations.
Due to the high stakes involved, SEC lawyers must possess a deep understanding of financial regulations, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret complex legal documents. They often work with corporations, financial institutions, investment advisers, and public companies to ensure that all transactions and disclosures are in line with SEC requirements.
In addition to their advisory role, SEC lawyers are also involved in litigation, representing clients in court or in administrative proceedings. Their expertise is critical in helping businesses avoid costly penalties and reputational damage, making them indispensable in the financial and corporate sectors.