CFP Board Censures Improper CFP® Professional Conduct

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. announces public disciplinary actions against the following individuals' right to use the CFP® certification marks, effective immediately or on the date noted in each case.  This release contains discipline relating to 23 CFP® professionals.  The 23 disciplinary actions contained in this release are comprised of six revocations, eight suspensions, two interim suspensions and seven Letters of Admonition.  

Public disciplinary actions taken by CFP Board, in order of increasing severity, include letters of admonition, suspensions and permanent revocations. The basis for each decision can be found in a Disciplinary Action Report below and on CFP Board's Web site. The public may check on an individual's disciplinary history and certification status with CFP Board at www.CFP.net/search.

CFP Board's Standards of Professional Conduct, which includes the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Rules of Conduct and Financial Planning Practice Standards, sets forth the ethical standards for financial planners who hold the CFP® certification. CFP Board enforces its ethical standards by investigating incidents of alleged unethical behavior, and following the procedures established in CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures. In cases where violations are found, CFP Board may impose discipline ranging from a private censure or public letter of admonition to the suspension or revocation of the right to use the CFP® marks. The Disciplinary Rules and Procedures set forth a fair process for investigating matters and imposing discipline where necessary.

CFP Board's enforcement process is a critical consumer protection. CFP® professionals agree to abide by CFP Board's Standards of Professional Conduct, which sets forth their ethical responsibilities to the public, clients and employers. CFP® professionals agree to act fairly and diligently when providing clients with financial planning advice and services, putting the clients' interests first.

These actions result from final decisions of the Disciplinary and Ethics Commission. The Commission meets three times a year and reviews all cases on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the details specific to an individual case. While CFP Board has attempted to capture the details relevant to each decision, the summary nature of these releases may omit certain details affecting the decision. Accordingly, the decisions and/or rationale described in the releases may not apply to other cases reviewed by the Commission or reflect the Commission's future interpretation or application of the Standards.

LETTERS OF ADMONITION

ARIZONA

Geoffrey W. White, CFP® (Tempe): In August 2011, following a hearing before CFP Board's Appeals Committee, CFP Board issued an order affirming the Disciplinary and Ethics Commission's ("Commission") order issuing a Letter of Admonition to Mr. White. This discipline followed CFP Board's investigation of allegations that Mr. White: 1) recommended an unsuitable real estate loan fund to his client; and 2) misrepresented that his client was an accredited investor and, therefore, eligible to purchase shares of the fund.  The Appeals Committee affirmed the Commission's determination that Mr. White's conduct violated Rules 102, 201, 606(b) and 607 of CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Article 3(a) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures ("Disciplinary Rules").  Accordingly, the Commission admonished Mr. White with regard to the above-mentioned conduct, pursuant to Article 4.2 of the Disciplinary Rules.

CALIFORNIA

John H. Raphael, CFP® (Walnut Creek): In August 2011, following a hearing before CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission ("Commission"), CFP Board issued a Letter of Admonition to Mr. Raphael. This discipline followed CFP Board's investigation of Mr. Raphael's 2010 Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.  The Commission found that Mr. Raphael demonstrated an inability to manage his personal finances by filing the bankruptcy, and thus engaged in conduct that reflects adversely on his integrity and fitness as a CFP® professional, upon the CFP® certification marks and upon the profession.  The Commission determined that Mr. Raphael's conduct provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Article 3(a) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures ("Disciplinary Rules").  Accordingly, the Commission admonished Mr. Raphael with regard to the above-mentioned conduct, pursuant to Article 4.2 of the Disciplinary Rules.

FLORIDA

James A. Barry, Jr., CFP® (Highland Beach): In August 2011, following a hearing before CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission ("Commission"), CFP Board issued a Letter of Admonition to Mr. Barry.  This discipline followed CFP Board's investigation of allegations that he: 1) sold the major asset of his investment advisory firm for his own benefit and to the detriment of the minority shareholders, who were also investment advisory clients of the firm; 2) failed to disclose on his New York insurance license renewal application that he had been named in National Association of Securities Dealers arbitrations and customer complaints; and 3) engaged in an inappropriate relationship with his client.  The Commission determined that Mr. Barry's conduct violated Rules 102, 201, 406, 606(a), 606(b), and 607 of CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Article 3(a) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures ("Disciplinary Rules").  Accordingly, the Commission admonished Mr. Barry with regard to the above-mentioned conduct, pursuant to Article 4.2 of the Disciplinary Rules.

GEORGIA

Stephen K. Simpson, CFP® (Macon):  In August 2011, following a hearing before CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission ("Commission"), CFP Board issued a Letter of Admonition Mr. Simpson. This discipline followed CFP Board's investigation of Mr. Simpson's 2010 Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 Bankruptcy filings. The Commission found that Mr. Simpson demonstrated an inability to manage his personal finances by filing for Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and thus engaged in conduct that reflects adversely on his integrity and fitness as a CFP® professional, upon the CFP® certification marks, and upon the profession.  The Commission determined that Mr. Simpson's conduct provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Article 3(a) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures ("Disciplinary Rules").  Accordingly, the Commission admonished Mr. Simpson with regard to the above-mentioned conduct, pursuant to Article 4.2 of the Disciplinary Rules.

INDIANA

Warren A. Ward, CFP® (Columbus): In August 2011, following a hearing before CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission ("Commission"), CFP Board issued a Letter of Admonition to Mr. Ward. This discipline followed CFP Board's investigation of allegations that Mr. Ward filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on September 21, 2009.  The Commission determined that Mr. Ward demonstrated an inability to manage his personal finances by filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and thus engaged in conduct that reflects adversely on his integrity and fitness as a CFP® professional, upon the CFP® certification marks, and upon the profession.  The Commission determined that Mr. Ward's conduct violated Rule 6.5 of CFP Board's Rules of Conduct and provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Article 3(a) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures.  Accordingly, the Commission admonished Mr. Ward with regard to the above-mentioned conduct, pursuant to Article 4.2 of the Disciplinary Rules.  

NEVADA

Daniel H. Hughes, CFP® (Las Vegas):  In August 2011, following a hearing before CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission ("Commission"), CFP Board issued a Letter of Admonition to Mr. Hughes.  This discipline followed CFP Board's investigation of allegations that he: 1) engaged in outside business activity when a company, for which he was principal owner, assigned a loan to a client of his financial firm; 2) did not report this outside business activity to his broker-dealer employer and consequently was terminated; and 3) entered into a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (formerly the National Association of Securities Dealers or "NASD") in which he agreed to a 10-day suspension and a $5,000 fine for violations of NASD Conduct Rules 3030 and 2110.  The Commission determined that Mr. Hughes' conduct violated Rules 409, 606(a), 606(b) and 607 of CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Article 3(a) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures ("Disciplinary Rules").  Accordingly, the Commission admonished Mr. Hughes with regard to the above-mentioned conduct, pursuant to Article 4.2 of the Disciplinary Rules.  

RHODE ISLAND

Emilio J. Senesi, Jr., CFP® (Cranston):  In August 2011, following a hearing before CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission ("Commission"), CFP Board issued a Letter of Admonition to Mr. Senesi.  This discipline followed CFP Board's investigation of allegations that Mr. Senesi: 1) conducted business as an investment advisor in Rhode Island for three years without being properly registered, as required by the Rhode Island Uniform Securities Act; 2) failed to properly renew an employee's investment adviser representative license for one year; 3) failed to timely file an annual amendment to his firm's Form ADV; and 4) failed to timely amend the firm's Form ADV after making material changes to the Form ADV Part II in violation of the Rhode Island General Laws and the Investment Advisers Act.  The Commission determined that Mr. Senesi's conduct violated Rules 201, 606(a), 606(b) and 607 of CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Article 3(a) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures ("Disciplinary Rules").  Accordingly, the Commission admonished Mr. Senesi with regard to the above-mentioned conduct, pursuant to Article 4.2 of the Disciplinary Rules.

SUSPENSION

FLORIDA

Juan Jose Barberis (Jacksonville): In August 2011, following a hearing before CFP Board's Appeals Committee, CFP Board issued an order affirming the Disciplinary and Ethics Commission's ("Commission") order issuing a five-year suspension of Mr. Barberis' right to use the CFP® certification marks.  This discipline followed CFP Board's investigation of Mr. Barberis' April 2008 no contest plea in a Florida Circuit Court ("Court") to the transmission of material harmful to minors, a third-degree felony.  In May 2008, in accordance with Mr. Barberis' no contest plea, the Court issued an order withholding adjudication and placing Mr. Barberis on community control and probation.  The Appeals Committee affirmed the Commission's determination that Mr. Barberis' conduct reflects adversely on his integrity and fitness as a CFP® professional, upon the CFP® marks and upon the profession, which is in violation of Rules 102 and 607 of CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Article 3(a) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures ("Disciplinary Rules").  Accordingly, the Commission suspended Mr. Barberis' right to use the CFP® certification marks for five years, pursuant to Article 4.3 of the Disciplinary Rules.  Mr. Barberis' suspension is effective from August 2, 2011 through August 2, 2016.  

Robert D. Lovett (Coral Springs):  In August 2011, following a hearing before CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission ("Commission"), CFP Board issued an order suspending Mr. Lovett's right to use the CFP® certification marks for one year and one day. The suspension followed CFP Board's investigation of Mr. Lovett's Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and multiple allegations of breach of contract relating to his teaching activities in CFP Board-approved Registered Programs. Following a hearing, the Commission found that Mr. Lovett demonstrated an inability to manage his personal finances when he filed for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and breached multiple contracts related to his teaching activities in the Registered Programs.  The Commission determined that Mr. Lovett's conduct violated Rule 607 of CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Rule 6.5 of the Rules of Conduct, providing grounds for discipline pursuant to Article 3(a) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures ("Disciplinary Rules"). Accordingly, the Commission suspended Mr. Lovett's right to use the CFP® certification marks for one year and one day, pursuant to Article 4.3 of the Disciplinary Rules.  Mr. Lovett's suspension is effective from August 22, 2011 to August 23, 2012.

ILLINOIS

Lynda C. Paul (Gurnee): In August 2011, following a hearing before CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission ("Commission"), CFP Board issued an order suspending Ms. Paul's right to use the CFP® certification marks for two months. The suspension followed CFP Board's investigation of allegations that Ms. Paul: 1) engaged in outside business activities without providing prompt written notice to her employer, in violation of her employer's policy, National Association of Securities Dealers ("NASD") Rules 3030 and 2110 and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") Rules 3030 and 2110; 2) entered into an October 2010 Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent with FINRA wherein she agreed to a two-month suspension and a $5,000 fine; and 3) failed to notify CFP Board of her professional suspension within 10 calendar days of the suspension.  The Commission determined that Ms. Paul's conduct violated Rules 4.4, 5.1, 6.4 and 6.5 of CFP Board's Rules of Conduct and provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Articles 3(a) and 3(d) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures ("Disciplinary Rules").  Accordingly, the Commission suspended Ms. Paul's right to use the CFP® certification marks for two months, pursuant to Article 4.3 of the Disciplinary Rules.  Ms. Paul's suspension is effective from August 22, 2011 to October 22, 2011.

NEW JERSEY

Jared S. Friedman (Scotch Plains):  In August 2011, following a hearing before CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission ("Commission"), CFP Board issued an order suspending Mr. Friedman's right to use the CFP® certification marks for seven months.  The suspension followed CFP Board's investigation of the following matters:  1) a 2009 Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA," formerly known as the National Association of Securities Dealers, or "NASD") Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent in which Mr. Friedman consented to violations of NASD Conduct Rules 3040 and 2110 for participating in a private securities transaction without providing prior written notice to, or obtaining prior written approval from, his employer, and violations of FINRA Rules 8210 and 2010 for failing to timely respond to FINRA staff's requests; and 2) Mr. Friedman's 2009 Internal Review and Termination from his employer for failing to provide information during the course of an investigation regarding the same private securities transaction.  The Commission determined that Mr. Friedman's conduct violated Rules 102, 201, 406, 606(a), 606(b), and 607 of CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Rules 5.1 and 6.5 of CFP Board's Rules of Conduct, providing grounds for discipline pursuant to Articles 3(a) and 3(d) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures ("Disciplinary Rules").  Accordingly, the Commission suspended Mr. Friedman's right to use the CFP® certification marks for seven months, pursuant to Article 4.3 of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules.  Mr. Friedman's suspension is effective from August 22, 2011 to March 22, 2012.

NEW YORK

Christopher G. Gibas (Grand Island):  In August 2011, following a hearing before CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission ("Commission"), CFP Board issued a three-month suspension to Mr. Gibas.  This discipline followed CFP Board's investigation of allegations that Mr. Gibas: 1) failed to reasonably supervise a registered representative from September 2003 through May 2006; 2) did not adequately respond to red flags that should have alerted him that the registered representative's transactions were unsuitable for her customers; 3) consented to the entry of findings of violations of the National Association of Securities Dealers ("NASD," now known as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. or "FINRA") Rules 3010 and 2110; and 4) received a suspension for five months and a $10,000 fine from FINRA. In October 2010, Mr. Gibas entered into a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent with FINRA in which he consented to the finding that he failed to take appropriate action that was reasonably designed to detect and prevent the registered representative's violations.  The Commission determined that Mr. Gibas' conduct violated Rules 606(a), 606(b), 607, 701 and 705 of CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Article 3(a) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures ("Disciplinary Rules").  Accordingly, the Commission suspended Mr. Gibas' right to use the CFP® certification marks for three months, pursuant to Article 4.3 of the Disciplinary Rules.  Mr. Gibas' suspension is effective from August 10, 2011 to November 10, 2011.

TEXAS

Carl E. Jones (Euless):  In August 2011, following a hearing before CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission ("Commission"), CFP Board suspended Mr. Jones' right to use the CFP® certification marks for one year. This discipline followed CFP Board's investigation of Mr. Jones' 2009 Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.  The Commission found that by filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Mr. Jones demonstrated an inability to manage his personal finances and thus engaged in conduct that reflects adversely on his integrity and fitness as a CFP® professional, upon the CFP® certification marks and upon the profession. The Commission determined that Mr. Jones' conduct provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Article 3(a) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures ("Disciplinary Rules"). Accordingly, the Commission suspended Mr. Jones' right to use the CFP® certification marks for one year pursuant to Article 4.3 of the Disciplinary Rules and ordered Mr. Jones to complete 30 additional hours of continuing education during the suspension.  Mr. Jones' suspension is effective from August 22, 2011 to August 22, 2012.

Jeremy B. Stauss (Fort Worth):  In August 2011, following a hearing before CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission ("Commission"), CFP Board issued an order suspending Mr. Stauss' right to use the CFP® certification marks for one year. The suspension followed CFP Board's investigation of Mr. Stauss' 2010 Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and his failure to repay a 2006 promissory note to his former employer.  The Commission determined that by filing for bankruptcy and by failing to repay the balance due on his promissory note, Mr. Stauss engaged in conduct that reflects adversely on his integrity and fitness as a CFP® professional, upon the CFP® certification marks and upon the profession.  The Commission determined that Mr. Stauss' conduct violated Rule 607 of the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Rule 6.5 of the Rules of Conduct, providing grounds for discipline pursuant to Article 3(a) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures ("Disciplinary Rules").  Accordingly, the Commission suspended Mr. Stauss' right to use the CFP® certification marks for one year, pursuant to Article 4.3 of the Disciplinary Rules.  Mr. Stauss' suspension is effective from August 22, 2011 to August 22, 2012.

WISCONSIN

John R. Tufts (Madison):  In August 2011, following a hearing before CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission ("Commission"), CFP Board issued an order suspending Mr. Tufts' right to use the CFP® certification marks for three months. The suspension followed CFP Board's investigation of a suspension by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA," formerly known as the National Association of Securities Dealers or "NASD").  Following the hearing, the Commission found that Mr. Tufts: 1) failed to execute trade orders and executed an unauthorized transaction in a client's account; 2) exercised discretion in a client's account without prior written authorization from the client to exercise discretion in her account; and 3) violated NASD Conduct Rules 2110, 2510(b) and IM-2310-2, which resulted in a three-month suspension from association with a FINRA member in any capacity.  The Commission determined that Mr. Tufts' conduct violated Rules 201, 406, 606(a), 606(b), 607, 701, and 703 of CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Articles 3(a) 3(d), 3(e), and 3(g) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures ("Disciplinary Rules"). Accordingly, the Commission suspended Mr. Tufts' right to use the CFP® certification marks for three months, pursuant to Article 4.3 of the Disciplinary Rules.  Mr. Tufts' suspension is effective from August 22, 2011 to November 22, 2011.

INTERIM SUSPENSION

FLORIDA

Neal S. Smalbach (Palm Harbor): In May 2010, CFP Board issued an Interim Suspension Order suspending Mr. Smalbach's right to use the CFP® certification marks. CFP Board initiated interim suspension proceedings following its discovery that Mr. Smalbach was: 1) terminated by his firm for impersonating a customer in order to effect a liquidation and transfer of funds and for signing the customer's name to a document; 2) terminated by a second firm for soliciting and selling securities as an unregistered associate by having a registered associate submit the sales for approval; 3) suspended for six months by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. as a result of the above-referenced conduct; and 4) named in 45 customer complaints primarily alleging misrepresentation of variable annuities, oil and gas securities, direct private placements, limited partnerships and real estate securities.  Under the Interim Suspension Order, Mr. Smalbach's right to use the CFP® certification marks is suspended pending CFP Board's completed investigation and possible further disciplinary proceedings. The Interim Suspension Order became effective on May 4, 2010.

NEW JERSEY

Brian P. Carr (Chatham): In August 2011, following a hearing before CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission ("Commission"), CFP Board issued an Interim Suspension Order suspending Mr. Carr's right to use the CFP® certification marks. CFP Board initiated interim suspension proceedings following its discovery that Mr. Carr was the subject of: 1) a Cease and Desist Order issued by the Arkansas Securities Department; 2) a Complaint issued by the Attorney General of New Jersey; and 3) a Summary Order revoking his investment adviser representative registration issued by the New Jersey Bureau of Securities following allegations that he engaged in fraud, misrepresentation, and the sale of unregistered securities.  The Commission determined that Mr. Carr failed to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that he does not pose an immediate threat to the public, and that his conduct does not impinge upon the stature and reputation of the marks.  The Commission found that Mr. Carr: 1) failed to take responsibility for recommending that his clients purchase unregistered securities; and 2) failed to perform thorough due diligence on the securities his firm recommended and that he personally recommended to clients. Under the Interim Suspension Order, Mr. Carr's right to use the CFP® certification marks is suspended pending CFP Board's completed investigation and possible further disciplinary proceedings. The Interim Suspension Order became effective on August 26, 2011.

REVOCATION

CALIFORNIA

Martin D. Batstone (San Diego):  In August 2011, following a review before CFP Board's Appeals Committee, CFP Board issued an order permanently revoking Mr. Batstone's right to use the CFP® certification marks.  This discipline followed CFP Board's investigation of allegations that Mr. Batstone solicited several customers to purchase equity-indexed annuities without disclosing that:  1) his firm did not have selling agreements with the issuing companies; 2) his firm did not approve the sale of the equity-indexed annuities; and 3) another advisor acted as the authorized agent of record. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. suspended Mr. Batstone for 10 business days and fined him $5,000 for above-referenced misconduct.  CFP Board's Complaint alleged that Mr. Batstone's conduct violated Rules 102, 201, 406, 606(a), 606(b) and 607 of the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Rule 6.1 of the Rules of Conduct, providing grounds for discipline pursuant to Articles 3(a), 3(d), 3(e) and 3(f) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures ("Disciplinary Rules").  Mr. Batstone failed to file an Answer to CFP Board's Complaint within 20 calendar days of the date of service, as required by Article 7.3 of the Disciplinary Rules. Accordingly, pursuant to Article 7.4 of the Disciplinary Rules, the allegations set forth in the Complaint were deemed admitted, and CFP Board issued Mr. Batstone an Administrative Order of Revocation.  Mr. Batstone appealed the matter and CFP Board's Appeals Committee affirmed the Administrative Order of Revocation.

Timothy J. Clyman (Encinitas):  In August 2011, CFP Board issued an order permanently revoking Mr. Clyman's right to use the CFP® certification marks.  This discipline followed CFP Board's investigation of allegations that Mr. Clyman: 1) made misrepresentations to investors related to their investment in Seaforth Meridian, Ltd. ("Seaforth"), a hedge fund, regarding the use of investor funds, the sufficiency of Seaforth's financial controls, the risk of loss to investors, the investment strategies and objectives of Seaforth, and the background, experience and expertise of Seaforth's management; 2) participated in fraudulently raising approximately $18 million from nearly 70 investors who were mostly elderly clients; 3) sold limited partnership interests in Seaforth and related entities to the investors by claiming to have a conservative investment strategy and experience in buying and selling A-rated or fixed income bonds; and 4) entered into a Consent Agreement with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which permanently enjoined him from violating Section 17(a) of the Securities Act, Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10(b)-5 promulgated thereunder.  CFP Board's Complaint alleged that Mr. Clyman's conduct violated Rules 201, 606(b) and 607 of CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Article 3(a) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures ("Disciplinary Rules").  Mr. Clyman failed to file an Answer to CFP Board's Complaint within 20 calendar days of the date of service, as required by Article 7.3 of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules.  Accordingly, pursuant to Article 7.4 of the Disciplinary Rules, the allegations set forth in the Complaint were deemed admitted, and CFP Board issued an Administrative Order of Revocation.

CONNECTICUT

Matthew Lechner (Westport): In August 2011, CFP Board issued an order permanently revoking Mr. Lechner's right to use the CFP® certification marks. This discipline followed CFP Board's investigation of allegations that Mr. Lechner filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in 2010. CFP Board's Complaint alleged that Mr. Lechner's conduct violated Rules 6.1 and 6.5 of CFP Board's Rules of Conduct and provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Articles 3(a) and 3(f) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures ("Disciplinary Rules"). Mr. Lechner failed to file an Answer to CFP Board's Complaint within 20 calendar days of the date of service, as required by Article 7.3 of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules. Accordingly, pursuant to Article 7.4 of the Disciplinary Rules, the allegations set forth in the Complaint were deemed admitted, and CFP Board issued an Administrative Order of Revocation.

GEORGIA

Jay L. Thacker (Atlanta):  In August 2011, CFP Board issued an order permanently revoking Mr. Thacker's right to use the CFP® certification marks.  This discipline followed CFP Board's investigation of allegations that he: 1) as principal responsible for conducting due diligence of MPFC VI, Shale 14, and Shale 18, failed to conduct meaningful due diligence for these offerings prior to approving them for sale to his firm's customers; 2) failed to have reasonable grounds for allowing firm representatives to continue selling MPFC VI, Shale 14, and Shale 18 in light of the negative information indicating that the offerings had significant issues with continuing viability; 3) failed to maintain a supervisory system that was reasonably designed to achieve compliance with applicable securities laws and regulations; and 4) entered into a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA," formerly known as the National Association of Securities Dealers or "NASD") in which he agreed to a 6-month suspension from acting in a principal capacity and a $10,000 fine for violations of NASD Conduct Rules 3010 and 2110 and FINRA Rule 2010.  CFP Board's Complaint alleged that Mr. Thacker's conduct violated Rules 201, 406, 606(a), 606(b), 607, and 701 of CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Article 3(a) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures ("Disciplinary Rules").  Mr. Thacker failed to file an Answer to CFP Board's Complaint within 20 calendar days of the date of service, as required by Article 7.3 of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules. Accordingly, pursuant to Article 7.4 of the Disciplinary Rules, the allegations set forth in the Complaint were deemed admitted, and CFP Board issued Mr. Thacker an Administrative Order of Revocation.

OHIO

Jeffrey Shoffer (Toledo): In August 2011, CFP Board issued an order permanently revoking Mr. Shoffer's right to use the CFP® certification marks. This discipline followed CFP Board's investigation of allegations that Mr. Shoffer filed for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in 2009. CFP Board's Complaint alleged that Mr. Shoffer's conduct violated Rule 6.5 of CFP Board's Rules of Conduct and provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Article 3(a) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures ("Disciplinary Rules"). Mr. Shoffer failed to file an Answer to CFP Board's Complaint within 20 calendar days of the date of service, as required by Article 7.3 of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules. Accordingly, pursuant to Article 7.4 of the Disciplinary Rules, the allegations set forth in the Complaint were deemed admitted, and CFP Board issued an Administrative Order of Revocation.

PENNSYLVANIA  

Richard O. Dorman, Jr. (Pittsburgh):  In August 2011, CFP Board issued an order permanently revoking Mr. Dorman's right to use the CFP® certification marks.  This discipline followed CFP Board's investigation of allegations that Mr. Dorman: 1) had 10 civil judgments issued against him; 2) failed to repay a loan to his former employer upon resignation; 3) failed to comply with a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA") arbitration award; 4) received a FINRA suspension for his failure to comply with the award; and 5) failed to notify CFP Board within 10 days of notification of the suspension, as required by Article 12.2 of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures ("Disciplinary Rules"). CFP Board's Complaint alleged that Mr. Dorman's conduct violated Rules 606(b) and 607 of CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Rules 6.4 and 6.5 of CFP Board's Rules of Conduct and provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Article 3(a) of the Disciplinary Rules.  Mr. Dorman failed to file an Answer to CFP Board's Complaint within 20 calendar days of the date of service, as required by Article 7.3 of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules. Accordingly, pursuant to Article 7.4 of the Disciplinary Rules, the allegations set forth in the Complaint were deemed admitted, and CFP Board issued an Administrative Order of Revocation.

ABOUT CFP BOARD

The mission of Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. is to benefit the public by granting the CFP® certification and upholding it as the recognized standard of excellence for personal financial planning. The Board of Directors, in furthering CFP Board's mission, acts on behalf of the public, CFP® certificants and other stakeholders. CFP Board owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™, and the federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.  CFP Board currently authorizes more than 63,000 individuals to use these marks in the U.S.

SOURCE Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.

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