FINRA fined former Securities Equity Group broker John Randall "Randy" Gladden of La Mesa, CA for soliciting several investors to collectively invest millions of dollars in securities sold away from, and transacted without prior written notice, to the firm. In its report, FINRA indicated that Gladden made material misrepresentations and omissions on multiple compliance questionnaires in relation to the unauthorized outside business activities.
OHO Disciplinary Proceeding #2014038996201
According to the findings, Gladden (CRD #1789356), who also went by "J. Randall" and "JR" while associated with Securities Equity Group, helped create the Church Development Fund, LLC and Church Fund LLC—both registered out of Washington state—with the purpose of effecting real estate-related refinancing and loans to churches. The report indicates he also served as a governing member of CDF Managing Partners LLC and CF Manager, LLC, which managed the two Funds.
Investigators found that Gladden solicited seven investors to collectively invest more than $2.1 million in the Funds through securities while falsely informing Securities Equity Group, through annual compliance questionnaires, that he was not engaged in any such outside business activity.
As such, FINRA concluded that Gladden's private securities transactions were conducted without notice to or permission from Gladden's firm, and that Gladden received compensation from these activities with the Funds and Management LLCs he similarly failed to disclose to Securities Equity Group.
Securities Equity Group permitted Gladden to resign in March 2016, following FINRA's initiation of an investigation into the aforementioned misconduct; Gladden's BrokerCheck report additionally indicates Gladden is licensed to sell fixed insurance & annuities, and is employed by Lord & Gladden Wealth Advisors, of El Cajon, California.
If you have invested with Southern California broker John Randall Gladden, formerly of Securities Equity Group in El Cajon, or with any broker or financial adviser who has conducted outside business activities away from their firm without permission and in violation of industry rules, and in doing so, has solicited investments that have proven harmful to your financial interests, please call The Law Offices of Jonathan W. Evans & Associates at (800) 699-1881 for an investigation and consultation.