Sigma CCO charged with child molestation

Michael John Brooks is charged with four counts of second degree criminal sexual misconduct.
NOV 28, 2007
Michael John Brooks, chief compliance officer at Sigma Financial Corp. in Ann Arbor, Mich., is facing child molestation charges. Mr. Brooks was arrested in Amelia Island, Fla. on Nov. 2, according to Dave Egeler, spokesman for Washtenaw County Sheriff's Dept. The arrest occurred after the police searched Mr. Brooks' Ann Arbor Township home, according to The Ann Arbor News. Mr. Brooks, who is charged with four counts of second-degree criminal sexual misconduct, was extradited to Michigan and arraigned on Nov. 15. He was freed on $15,000 bond and is scheduled to appear before a preliminary hearing on Dec. 11. The two accusers allege that Mr. Brooks assaulted them during a 12-year span dating back to 1995 when Mr. Brooks was working as a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County. "Michael categorically denies the allegations against him," Mr. Brooks' attorney Mark Bilkovic said. "We look forward to exposing these two young men in court." Mr. Brooks was placed on leave of absence as soon as the firm became aware of the charges, according to Larry Atorthy, general counsel for Sigma Financial, from the Farmington Hills, MIch. law firm of Kaufman Payton & Chapa. Mr. Atorthy added that the leave will last until the matter is resolved. If convicted, Mr. Brooks could face up to 15 years in prison. Last month, Mr. Brooks was honored by InvestmentNews as a finalist in the 2007 Community Leadership Awards in the category of mentoring excellence. The original headline of this article misidentified Mr. Brooks as chief information officer of Sigma. He is the chief compliance officer for the firm.

Latest News

US wholesale inflation surprises on food, energy prices
US wholesale inflation surprises on food, energy prices

The latest PPI print, clocking in north of 3 percent, adds to concerns that inflation is far from tamed.

Robinhood earnings surge as TradePMR acquisition plan rolls along
Robinhood earnings surge as TradePMR acquisition plan rolls along

The DIY investment giant's positive earnings surprise, surpassing $1 billion in revenue for the first time, puts it on strong footing for future expansion.

Advisors expect revenue boost this year as Secure 2.0 provisions kick in
Advisors expect revenue boost this year as Secure 2.0 provisions kick in

Most retirement plan specialists anticipate gain of up to 10%.

Debt has become a way of life for working Americans, report warns
Debt has become a way of life for working Americans, report warns

And they would have to work extra hard to pay it off.

Stock fragility near record levels, stirring memories of dot-com bubble
Stock fragility near record levels, stirring memories of dot-com bubble

BofA strategists highlight rising volatility's risk to largest US stocks.

SPONSORED Record growth: Interval funds emerge as key players in alternative investments

Blue Vault Alts Summit highlights the role of liquidity-focused funds in reshaping advisor strategies

SPONSORED Taylor Matthews on what's behind Farther's rapid growth

From 'no clients' to reshaping wealth management, Farther blends tech and trust to deliver family-office experience at scale.