Were you the victim of Commonwealth Financial Network broker Benjamin Bourgeois (CRD# 2145555)? Bourgeois was registered with Commonwealth Financial Network in Metairie, LA from 2015 to April 2019, when he was terminated regarding, “Borrowing money from a customer in violation of FINRA Rule 3240 and Firm policy.” Previously, Bourgeois was registered with LPL Financial LLC in Metairie, California from 2014 to 2015.
Previously, Bourgeois was registered with LPL Financial LLC in Metairie, Louisiana from 2014 to 2015 and previously with Sterne, Agee & Leach, Inc. in New Orleans, Louisiana from 2009 to 2014.
In May 2019, FINRA barred Bourgeois after he consented to the sanction and to the entry of findings that he failed to produce documents and information requested by FINRA during the course of an investigation into allegations reported on his Form U5 that he, among other things, borrowed money from a customer, converted customer funds, and committed fraud.
Bourgeois has been the subject of three customer complaints between 2001 and 2019, one of which was closed without action, according to his CRD report. Recent complaints are regarding:
- September 2019. “Claimant alleges that over several years beginning as early as March 2014 bourgeois induced her to write personal checks purportedly to make investments but which he instead deposited into his personal bank account for his own use, and potentially recommended unsuitable investments.” The case was settled for $15,000. The complaint took place while Bourgeois was registered with LPL Financial LLC.
- April 2019. “Conversion of customer funds made by personal check purportedly for investment purposes; employing devices, schemes or artifices to defraud; making untrue statements of material facts; fraud. Activities are alleged to have begun sometime in or around 2016.” The customer is seeking $519,500 in damages and the case is currently pending. The complaint took place while Bourgeois was registered with Commonwealth Financial Network.
Pursuant to FINRA Rules, member firms are responsible for supervising a broker’s activities during the time the broker is registered with the firm. Therefore, Commonwealth Financial Network may be liable for investment or other losses suffered by Bourgeois’ customers.
Erez Law represents investors in the United States for claims against brokers and brokerage firms for wrongdoing. If and have experienced investment losses, please call us at 888-840-1571 or complete our contact form for a free consultation. Erez Law is a nationally recognized law firm representing individuals, trusts, corporations and institutions in claims against brokerage firms, banks and insurance companies on a contingency fee basis.
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