SEC v. Robert Stinson, Jr., et al.

The SEC filed charges alleging that an individual perpetrated an offering fraud and Ponzi scheme in which at least $16 million was raised from more than 140 investors. In particular, the SEC alleged that the defendant promised “safe and risk free” returns in purported investments in real estate and commercial mortgage loans. The defendant raised money by targeting, among others, investors in self-directed IRAs. Approximately $9.2 million of the funds invested in the fraudulent scheme came from self-directed IRAs.

According to the SEC’s complaint, from at least 2006 through the present, Robert Stinson, primarily through Life’s Good, Inc. and Keystone State Capital Corporation, two companies he controlled, sold purported “units” in four Life’s Good private real estate hedge funds. (“Life’s Good Funds”). Stinson falsely claimed that the Life’s Good Funds generated annual returns of 10 to 16 percent by originating more than $30 million in commercial mortgage loans, and other investment income gained on the sale of foreclosure and investment properties. In reality, the SEC’s complaint alleges that Stinson has been stealing investor funds for his personal use, transferring money to family members and others, and using new investor proceeds to make payments to existing investors in the nature of a Ponzi scheme.

To read the full complaint, click here.