SEC charges 3 advisory firm employees with concealing fraud

SEC charges 3 advisory firm employees with concealing fraud
The commission claims the trio abetted a Ponzi scheme at VisionQuest Wealth Management in North Carolina
MAR 13, 2020

The Securities and Exchange Commission has charged three former employees of VisionQuest Wealth Management, a defunct Raleigh, N.C.-based investment advisory firm, of abetting a fraudulent offering of more than $10 million in promissory notes.

According to the SEC's complaint, Stacey Beane, of Florida, Justin Deckert, of Virginia, and Travis Laska, of North Carolina, helped conceal the offering by falsifying and withholding documents that were requested by the commission during an examination and ensuing enforcement investigation. VisionQuest had its registration suspended by the SEC in December 2017.

In June, following a jury trial, Stephen C. Peters, the owner and principal of the firm, was convicted on 20 counts of fraud in a criminal case that paralleled a civil case brought by the SEC. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said that Mr. Peters’ offering and associated fraudulent activity constituted a Ponzi scheme.

In a consent agreement with the commission, Mr. Deckert agreed to pay a $30,000 penalty and to being barred from the securities industry, according to a release.

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.